Sally Marsh

Sally MacKellar Marsh, age 84, died November 12 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo, MI. Sally was born in Kalamazoo on July 3, 1930, the daughter of Lawrence and Kathryn (Cameron) MacKellar.

Sally lived in Kalamazoo her entire life, graduating from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1947. She attended the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University. She was married to her high school sweetheart, Charles F. Marsh in 1954, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in May. Sally was proud to have worked in the Human Resources Department of the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company until she and Charles started their family in 1956. Sally is survived by their four daughters; Melanie Marsh (Patrick Shannon) of Houston, TX., Alison Marsh Williams (Jeff Williams) of Farmington Hills, Leslie Cross (Lonnie Cross) of Mattawan, and Jana Stermer (Dennis Stermer) of Portage. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Lonnie Cross, Jr. (Sonya Cross), Katie Akers (Chad Akers), Christopher Verschoof, Rachel Williams, Bradley Williams, and Sarah Williams, and by three great-grandchildren; Noah Akers, Kaylee Cross, and Jozilyn Cross. She is survived by her brother, Forrest MacKellar (Barbara MacKellar) of Ann Arbor, as well as many other relatives. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Lindsay Cross.

Sally was an accomplished seamstress, and had a successful home-based sewing business in Kalamazoo for many years. She was an avid quilt artist and was a founding member of The Log Cabin Quilters, as well as a member of several other quilting groups. She shared her love of quilting and needle arts with many others, and was a willing mentor to many new quilters. She became an expert and a collector of 1920’s “Kit Quilts” and with the help of her good friend, June Belitz, gave lectures about the quilts throughout Michigan. In 1976 Sally’s original design of a Bicentennial Quilt won third place at the Houston Quilt Show, one of the largest quilting conventions in the country.

Sally and her husband, Charles shared a love of gardening and spent countless hours working together designing and caring for their many garden beds. Charles marked their 50th wedding anniversary by creating a new garden and planting 25 rose bushes in Sally’s honor. Sally and Charles also enjoyed spending time with their family at their cottage near Newago, MI., keeping abreast of politics and current events, and reading. Sally was a life-long member the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), where she held many positions over the years and was instrumental in creating a Women’s Book Study Group.

An active community member throughout her life, Sally was well-loved and admired. Her positive attitude, genuine interest in others, and personal loyalty will be remembered by many, many friends, acquaintances, and loved ones. She will live on in their hearts and memories.

Sally’s family will receive guests and friends beginning at 11:30 on Sunday, December 14, 2014 at Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), 2208 Winchell Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI. Please join them for a brief Service of Celebration and Gratitude at 12:00 noon. A light luncheon hosted by the family will follow.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo for their kindness and care in the last weeks of Sally’s life. Memorial contributions in Sally’s name may be made to Rose Arbor at 5473 Croyden Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.