A longtime West Liberty business with deep family roots is entering a new chapter.
Shannon King confirmed Friday afternoon that he and his sister, Rebecca Craig, have sold Marie’s Candies to Troy and Lorie Dalrymple of Ashtabula, Ohio.
The Dalrymples are the owners of Marianne’s Chocolates, bringing decades of confectionery experience to the historic local shop.
Marie’s Candies has been a staple in the West Liberty community for generations, with a history that stretches back more than 80 years.
The business was originally started by Rebecca Craig’s grandparents, Marie and Winfred King.
The story dates back to 1941, when Winfred King, then a farmer, contracted polio and became wheelchair-bound, no longer able to continue working in the same way.
During that difficult time, the West Liberty community rallied around the family with support and assistance.
In gratitude, Marie King began making candy as small gifts to thank those who helped her family.
What began as a simple gesture of appreciation grew into something much larger.
By 1956, Marie had turned her homemade confections into a full-time candy business that became a family livelihood.
The business remained in the family for generations.
Marie and Winfred’s daughter, Kathy, and her husband Jay operated Marie’s Candies for nearly 40 years as second-generation owners.
In 2016, leadership transitioned to the third generation, with Rebecca Craig and her brother Shannon King continuing the family tradition.
The Dalrymple family brings extensive experience to the transition, having owned Marianne’s Chocolates in Ashtabula, Ohio for 18 years and currently operating two locations in that area.
Lorie Dalrymple said the move comes with a commitment to honoring the shop’s legacy. “This is a big process for us, and out of respect for the family, we are learning their way of business,” she said.
The Dalrymples closed on the business on April 10 and officially took possession on the 13th.
The King and Dalrymple families are currently working hand in hand to ensure a smooth transition.
Over the years, Marie’s Candies has also become known for its distinctive setting.
The shop is housed in a restored historic train depot that was relocated and carefully preserved, giving the business its quaint and nostalgic charm in West Liberty.
While ownership is changing, the legacy built over generations remains deeply rooted in family tradition, community gratitude, and handcrafted candy-making that has defined Marie’s Candies for decades.
