Obituary of Marsha Lynn Barnhart

The morning of January 12, 2023 was cold and dreary as Marsha Lynn Barnhart took her final breath unexpectantly at home at the age of 65.

Marsha was born to Edmund and Maxine Barnhart in April of 1957 becoming the eldest of their 7 children.  Their family resided in Kalamazoo, Michigan where she attended Kalamazoo Public School and later earned her G.E.D.  In January of 1975 when she was 17 Marsha welcomed a son, Michael, who would be her only boy.  September of 1978 brought Caryn Ann, the first daughter of 3, at the age of 21.  Susan Marie followed in September of 1982 when Marsha was 25 with Elizabeth Anne rounding out their family in June of 1984 at 27.  After having her children she would eventually meet and marry a man named Larry who would help her to raise her family and gain some of the independence that she craved by teaching her how to drive.  Marsha would finally get her driver’s license in her mid-30’s after overcoming her fear of driving (A trait that she passed onto a few of her daughters).  As a lifetime waitress she dedicated her life to serving her community the best way that she knew how – with a smile and a full stomach.  Her 20+ years at Poor Richards Café allowed her to work with her family and friends that she loved and to make new friends each day as she soon became everybody’s favorite waitress and adopted mother or grandmother.  She truly had a gift of service and loved doing her job until she was physically unable to do it anymore.

Always a ferocious lover of books Marsha was generally one of the brightest minds in the room.  She had never met a book that she did not feel the need to read cover to cover.  Anybody who was brave enough to visit a bookstore or a library with her knew better than to follow her around.  Your time was better spent taking a nap or playing in the kids section.  She could spend all day exploring the shelves and finding new adventures to divulge in.  Her love of the written word could only be challenged by her love of her television remote.  Her favorite shows to watch were Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, General Hospital and of course, The Bachelor though she was not too picky.  Watching her as she watched Jeopardy was always a treat as you were able to witness the vast amount of knowledge that she had for most subjects.  A knowledge that she claimed came from reading everything that she could get her hands on.

In addition to her hobbies Marsha’s greatest love of her life were her grandchildren.  She was a fiercely devoted Grandma or “Mema” as she preferred to be called to her 8 grandchildren (Dominick Butler, Andrew Foltin, Katelyn Foltin, Jazzmyn Armstead, Kaylee Barnhart, Allison Powers, Jacob Powers and Sadie Turbin).  She also had one Great Grandchild (Nezuko Butler) who brought her a renewed spark for her family and life.  Marsha was preceded in death by her father Edmund, her mother Maxine, her brother Christopher, her best friend and sister in law Theresa and her best friend Char.  In addition to her grandchildren she is survived by her 4 children, Michael (Kimberly), Caryn, Susan (Steven) and Elizabeth, her 5 remaining siblings, Ronald, Patrick (Mary), Edmund Jr, Carla (Bob) and Tim along with many nieces, nephews and adopted family members.

There will be a memorial viewing for family and friends on Thursday January 19, 2023.  Family only from 4:00pm to 5:00pm.  Friends are welcome from 5:00pm to 6:00pm.