http://www.newsdemocrat.com/main.asp...63&TM=43488.55
By RAE WILSON
Staff writer
Soprano singer Marian Spelman, 85, best known for her regular appearances on the "Fifty-Fifty" Club and other WLWT- TV productions, died in Westwood.
Spelman lived briefly in the Russellville area while married to Bill Nimmo, known for his role as host of "Keep it in the Family," in 1957, and announcer of the game show "Who do you trust? " in 1958.
Nimmo and Spelman belonged to a group of locals, called the Eating and Marching Club. Judy Ruthven, of Georgetown, remembers Spelman fondly.
" We would take turns cooking for each other in our homes, and I remember her singing for our group. She had a lovely voice," said Ruthven.
Spelman was known for singing the National Anthem on Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds at Crosley Field. She also performed with the Cincinnati Pops and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.
While working for WLWT, Spelman sang songs such as "Christmas Lullaby," Soon T'will be Christmas Eve," and "There's No Time Like Christmas."
Spelman retired in 1975 from the "Fifty - Fifty" Club and some speculate her move to Russellville was to find some peace and quiet.
"I think they wanted to have the ability to grow things and experience living in the country," said Ruthven. "Marian was always talking about canning and cooking and what was coming up in her garden. She loved those things."
"She was definitely well liked, and a good singer, too, " said longtime Russellville native Brooks Colliver.
A public memorial service will be held next week in Arlington National Gardens in Mount Healthy. Spelman's remains will be cremated.
If desired, memorials may be made to the Ruth Lyons Children's Fund or the Alzheimer's Foundation.