Marsha Jean Smith, 65, of Richmond, died Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at her home.

Marsha was born on October 1, 1954, in Jackson, MI, the daughter of Richard Donald and Inez (Neeley) Carlson.

Marsha leaves behind: two sons, Richard David Smith and Nathan Allan (Tiffany) Smith, both of Independence; daughter, Mary Ellen Fields, also of Independence; grandson, Aiden Lee Fields; brother, Kenneth Carlson of Jackson, MI; five sister: Margaret Keesler of Leslie, MI,  Mary (Howard) Straub of St. John's, MI, Marlene (David) Lovette of Eaton Rapids, MI, Myra (Rod)Baxter of Ithaca, MI, and Karen (Mick) Ellison of Springport, MI; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and several aunts and  uncles also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Marsha was reared and educated in the area of her birth and graduated from High School in Leslie, MI.  Marsha also lived in Cedar Rapids, IA, before moving to Richmond in 1978.  She was a secretary at Ray County Memorial Hospital, Richmond, for many years.  Marsha's faith was important to her and she belonged to the Lexington Branch of Restoration Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She loved animals, living in the country, and writing.  Marsha had written several children's stories that were published in magazines.

Memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the Lexington Restoration Branch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 802 South Business Highway 13, Lexington, Missouri, 64067.  Private family interment was held in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Arrangements entrusted to Thurman Funeral Home, Richmond.  Please remember to share your memories of Marsha with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com .