Dayton: Marilyn June Turnbull, 96, of Rt. 62, Dayton, New York, died Thursday, January 22, 2026 at her residence. She was born in Buffalo on July 19, 1929, the daughter of the late Andrew and Gladys (Allard) Varney.
Marilyn was a graduate of Gowanda High School, Class of 1947 and worked as the Dayton Town Clerk for 16 years. Marilyn was a past member of the former Cottage United Methodist Church and the former Cottage Grange #829. She was a member of the NYS Town Clerk Association and the Cattaraugus County Clerks Association. At one time she was the Dayton Town Historian, Chairman of the former Cottage Church Administration Board and Secretary of the Cattaraugus County Pomona Grange.
Survivors include a daughter; Rebecca Lois (James) Romine, of Los Lunas, NM, two sons; Ronald Duane Turnbull, of Fredonia, Jay Everett Turnbull, of South Dayton, and a sister; Lois Johnson, of Fredonia. Also surviving are fourteen grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several nieces & nephews. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband Gerald “Bruce” Turnbull, who died on March 19, 1995, an infant daughter; Robin Louise Turnbull, two daughters; Roberta “Bobbie” Velyne Austin & Emily Margaret Willson, three brothers; Herbert, Lavern & Lynn Varney, daughter-in-law Barbara Turnbull and brother-in-law Norman Johnson.
Friends are welcome to call at Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville on Wednesday from 2-4 & 6-8 pm from where funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11 o’clock with Rev. David Watson, pastor of Sheridan United Methodist Church, officiating. Private interment will be in in Mount View Cemetery, Olean.
The family suggests memorials may be made to Dayton Historical Society, 9561 Rt. 62, Gowanda, NY 14070. To post condolences or memories go to https://rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.
4 Comments
Melanie Russell
Gram you are forever loved and forever missed. Prayers to you all.
Reid Willson
My life was enriched by knowing Marilyn and being her son-in-law over the years. I appreciated her knowledge and memory of events and people in the Dayton, Gowanda, and South Dayton area. Her musical talent with piano and organ worshipped and praised God in his glory. I trust she will be rejoicing in heaven.
Reid Willson
Marilyn always amazed me with her recollection of people, events, and local knowledge over the years. I always felt welcome and part of her family. Her musical talent praised God and enriched those around her.
Joan Milligan
Condolences to family. What a wonderful lady: so community minded & helpful. RIP Marilyn.