New Middletown - Marilyn E. Keatley, 75, of New Middletown, formerly of Brush, Colorado, died Sunday morning, November 8, 2015 at Masternick Memorial Health Care Center. Marilyn was born August 14, 1940 in Youngstown, Ohio, a daughter of the late Harry and Grace Cardwell Kerr. She was raised in Poland, Ohio, and was a 1958 graduate of Poland Seminary High School. June 9, 1963, she received her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Baldwin Wallace College. Marilyn taught music for four years in the Cleveland area before moving to Brush, Colorado in 1969. She taught music at all levels in the Brush Public School System for 20 years. Marilyn was a former member of the Poland United Methodist Church. James Keatley was born August 18, 1927 in Roda, Virginia, a son of the late James P. and Frances Wells Keatley. Jim enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp October 22, 1945 and served in the Philippines. He received the World War II Victory Medal and the Philippine Independence Ribbon. He was honorably discharged April 22, 1947 and returned to the Mansfield, Ohio area. Jim attended and graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Education on October 20, 1945. He taught for two years in Ohio before moving to Brush, Colorado in 1954. Jim was a science teacher for Brush Junior High for 30 years, retiring June of 1984. It was while teaching in Brush that Jim and Marilyn met. They were married March 12, 1971. Together they made their home in the Brush, Colorado area. They loved the outdoors, classical music and reading. Marilyn was an accomplished pianist/organist and seamstress. Horses were Marilyn's passion and after moving to Brush she had several of her own. One month after Jim's retirement, Marilyn had a horseback riding accident and suffered a severe brain and brain stem injury leaving her severely handicapped. Marilyn could no longer sew, but taught herself needle point. For the last 30 years, Jim dedicated his life to taking care of Marilyn. He died suddenly, January 12, 2015. Marilyn was brought back to Ohio in late September 2015 to be with her family. Marilyn leaves her brother, Robert (Sandy) Kerr of Poland; nephew, Robert (Angela) Kerr of Worthington, OH; niece, Kimberly (Josh) Aikens of Poland; two great-nieces, Elizabeth Unnone and Kerstin Aikens; and two great-nephews, Austin Unnone and Jonathen Aikens. Private graveside services for Jim and Marilyn will be held at a later date. Marilyn's family requests material tributes be donated to the Kerr Scholarship c/o the Poland United Methodist Church, 1940 Boardman-Poland Road, Poland, OH 44514. Arrangements are being handled by the Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland.