Marlana Chaundra Kinser, age 19, and her infant son, Dylan Lane Kinser-Dusz, of Canton and formerly of Marion, went to be with their Heavenly Father unexpectedly on Sunday evening, January 11, 2009, at the Ohio State University Medical Center following a battle with a rare cancer that was undiagnosed. On July 22, 1989, Marlana was born in Canton, Ohio, the daughter of Christopher Ricker and Karri Kinser Lare. With the care of her loving grandparents, Patty and Gene Smithberger, Marli, her twin sister Chaela, and sister Jaquie were raised in Marion. She attended Pleasant Local Schools (K -12) and graduated from Pleasant High School in the Class of 2007, where she was active in choir, tennis, track, and softball, and also worked as an office and library assistant. During her eighteen years in Marion, Marlana was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where she participated in the Young Women's Group and enjoyed Girl's Camp and other activities within the church. She also worked as a babysitter at the Shepard's Nook, at Shoe Carnival, and as a waitress at Steak and Shake. She and her twin Chaela volunteered at the Salvation Army soup kitchen on several occasions. Upon her graduation, Marlana moved to Canton to be closer to and grow in her relationship with her parents and siblings, especially her fun loving sister, Jaquie, and to further her education. While in Canton, she worked at Sterilite Injection Molding Plastic Co., and also at Pete's Diner, as a waitress. At Pete's Diner, Marlana fell in love with Jarrod Dusz, and she was truly his "angel." She and Jarrod were excited about their life together and the addition of their son, Dylan Lane Kinser-Dusz, whom Marli was five months pregnant with. Due to her unexpected illness, their son was stillborn on Saturday morning, January 10, 2009. She is now holding her son in Heaven, joining him the following day. Having a beautiful voice, Marli loved to sing all types of music, especially country. With her twin sister, Chaela, they loved singing together, especially the song, "I'll Be" by Reba McIntyre. She enjoyed singing in the school choir and acting in the school play, "M.A.S.H.". Marlana was a fond lover of animals and enjoyed spending time and training her dogs, Sadie and Kyki. They miss her. Always active, Marlana enjoyed participating in Girl Scouts and she loved playing in summer league softball, which she did for more than six years. With her "sweet spirit" and her beauty, "whenever Marli would walk into a room everything would get better." She has the ability to "make things be alright". She was truly a "peacemaker". She was everyone's rock, their shoulder to lean and cry on, and she always put the needs of others before her own. Even after finding out she was very sick, this past Wednesday, others troubles were more important to her than her own. To say she is special was an understatement, and she will forever be missed by her many friends and family. Understanding her gift of being able to give comfort and care, Marlana felt the need to study psychology to hopefully one day be a psychologist and counselor. She was currently enrolled at Kent State University at the Stark Campus in Canton, and was eagerly looking forward to continuing her college studies. Marlana will be dearly missed and will always be loved by her father, Christopher (Christine) Ricker; mother, Karri (Mark) Lare; two sisters: Jaqualine Nicole Kinser and Michaela Alexis Kinser; three brothers: Pvt. Christopher Michael Eugene Ricker, stationed in Iraq, Larry Alexander Ricker, Joshua Lare. Paternal grandparents: Larry & Darla Rueschman & Mike and Lynn Ricker all of Canton maternal grandparents, Patricia & Gene Smithberger of Marion; maternal great grandfather, Paul Smithberger of Marion; boyfriend, Jarrod Dusz of Canton; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless wonderful friends. A funeral service will be Saturday 11:00 A.M. in Sunset Hills Burial Park Mausoleum with Rev. Nancy Conley officiating. Friends may call on Friday from 6-8 P.M. in the Spiker-Foster-Shriver Funeral Home 4817 Cleveland Ave., N.W. In lieu of flowers memorials for Marlana and Dylan to help defray family expenses may be entrusted to "Friends of Christopher Ricker" c/o of any First Merit Bank. You may sign our guest book at: www.shriverfuneralhomes.com Spiker-Foster-Shriver 330-455-0349 www.shriverfuneralhomes.com