Obituary of Barbara Marion Marsh

Barbara Marion Smith Marsh was born to Conway and Hazel Smith on May 24, 1937 in Avon, Connecticut. She went home to be with her Lord on January 27, 2020. Barbara grew up on her family's dairy farm along with her three brothers, Walt, Bob and Jimmy. Some of her favorite childhood memories were of their dog, Spotty, her horse, Honey, spending time with the cows and picking apples in the orchard. She was also a big fan of Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. Barbara enjoyed tap dancing and singing as a little girl. She and two of her best teenage friends formed the Starlight Trio and toured, singing all over Connecticut in churches nursing homes and other venues. They were invited to sing on the Ed Sullivan show, but due to some unfortunate circumstances, the trio broke up before that appearance. She continued to sing in church and community choirs and Sweet Adelines. She also sang for Arizona Governor Paul Fannin in the early 60's. Barbara married Paul on August 25, 1956. They have two daughters Cherrie and Beth; their four precious grandchildren, Amy, Chris, Daniel and Sarah and two beautiful great-grandchildren Abby and Matthew. She loved her family and was very involved in all our lives. Barbara worked as a secretary in Boston, a pediatric nurse's assistant at University Medical Center in Tucson and in retail in and in their family owned ladies' clothing business, The Junior, in Park Mall for over 11 years. She worked at Gospel Supplies and Revelation Christian bookstores during the 1980's and 90's. She also served as a wedding coordinator for many years at Christ Community Church and Pantano Christian Church. One of the highlights of that job was coordinating the wedding of Evangelist Billy Graham's grandson. Barbara volunteered at Devon Gables Nursing Home. She served as a Girl Scout leader, the director of the Wendy Ward Charm School at Montgomery Ward, a member of the Korean War Veterans' Association and various Christian women's groups. Barbara was always by Paul's side, a huge supporter and assistant for him in his political campaigns and work with veterans, including serving homeless veterans at Camp Bravo. She loved decorating, flower arranging, traveling, tea parties, taking pictures and every family event that came along. All of Barbara's family is rejoicing now that she is with Jesus, with her healthy new body and clear vision, basking in the eternal glory of the Lord. A celebration of life service for Barbara will be held on Saturday, February 8 at 1:00 p.m. at Christ community Church 530 S. Pantano Rd.