Altha Leah Marsh

Altha Leah Harris Marsh, of Troy, Missouri, passed away on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at the age of 85. She was born on March 22, 1939, in Brunswick, Missouri and was the only child of John Morgan and Myrtle Delaney Pierson Harris, Jr. At the age of two, Altha’s family moved to Steelville, Missouri, where her father had accepted a job as a teacher and band director. Altha’s family followed her father’s career moving to Paris, Missouri, Wardell, Missouri and Steelville, Missouri. In 1954, her family moved to Elsberry, Missouri where she graduated from high school in 1957. In the fall of 1957, Altha entered the University of Missouri in Columbia and earned her B.S. in Education with a major in Music Education, graduating in June of 1963. Altha paused her education and married Joseph James “Jim” Marsh, Jr. on June 26, 1960. When Jim entered the Army in 1961, Altha returned to MIZZOU and finished her degree. Following graduation from MIZZOU Altha accepted a position teaching vocal music, K-12 and art 9-12 in the Elsberry School District. She remained in Elsberry until 1963 when she accepted a position in the Troy R-III School District, teaching fourth grade in Hawk Point Elementary School. In 1967, Altha and Jim moved to Riverside, California, and for the next ten years she taught fourth and fifth grade at Pedley Elementary School in the Jurupa Unified School District in Riverside. During this time, she and her team teacher initiated as Individualized Education Program for their school. Since music was her first love, she organized an after-school chorus called Pedley Patriots. This group performed several musicals during her tenure there. In 1977, Altha and Jim moved back to Troy. She kept her hand in as a teacher by substituting in the Troy and Elsberry School District. In the Fall of 1980, she accepted a position as a band director and art teacher in Winfield. She remained in Winfield for 23 years until she retired in May of 2003. Since her retirement, Altha kept busy working with Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel, previously known as Kemper-Marsh-Millard Family Funeral Chapel. Altha was an active part of the community through the Troy Lions Club, Order of Eastern Star, 40 year Lifetime Member of the Troy VFW Ladies Auxiliary #8828 and Hawk Point Community Church. In 1988, Altha became a member of Lions Club International, as a charter member of the Troy Lions Club. She served as Lion Tamer, secretary, first and second Vice President, President and as a member of the Board of Directors. She also served several years as chair of the Sight Committee. District Governor, Lion Jim Salarano appointed Altha as a Zone Chairman. After serving two terms as a Zone Chairman, Altha was appointed Region Chairman. During this time, she was also appointed Extension Chairman for District 26A-2. She received an Extension Award from Lions Club International for her work in establishing the Florissant Valley Lions Club. Altha was initiated into Troy Chapter NO 405 Order of Easter Star on June 27, 1961. She was Past Matron, Past District Deputy Grand Matron and served as an organist for many years. Altha was never at an idle. She was a familiar face as you walked through the door at the funeral home and was known for officiating several funerals. Altha found the time to work her crossword puzzles and enjoyed meals with her close friends. She liked going to craft shows and driving her friends, wherever they needed to go. Altha was a woman of strong faith and unconditional love. Altha is survived by her cousins: Donna Drysdale (Mike Grana) of O’Fallon, MO and Sharon Saville (Terry) of St. Charles, MO; several close friends that were seen like family. She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, Jim Marsh, former father-in-law and mother-in-law: Joseph James Marsh, Sr. and Lois Reid Marsh; former brother-in-law, Clay Marsh and dear friend, Barbara Bockhorst. Family and friends will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at KEMPER-KEIM Family Funeral Chapel located at 351 Monroe Street Troy, MO 63379. Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at KEMPER-KEIM Family Funeral Chapel in Troy, MO. In lieu of flowers expressions of sympathy may be made to Hawk Point Community Church, in care of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel P.O. Box 222, Troy, MO 63379. Arrangements are under the direction of Kemper-Keim Family Funeral Chapel; 351 Monroe Street Troy, Missouri 63379 Online condolences may be made at www.kemperkeimfamilyfuneralchapel.com Phone 636-528-8221

Altha Leah Marsh

March 22, 1939 - August 8, 2024