Marjorie "Louise" Marshall

"And the Greatest of these is Love" - 1 Corinthians 13:13

Marjorie “Louise” Marshall, my wife, our Mom, our Grandma, and our Great Grandma, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on March 7, 2022. Born on April 25, 1937 in Gooding, Idaho, Louise was the firstborn child of Kenneth and Bessie (Rankin) Rice.

Louise loved growing up in Gooding, where she was active in the Jobs Daughters, was a swim instructor and lifeguard. Her years spent teaching children how to swim safely ultimately contributed to her work ethic as a farm hand, mom, wife and Registered Nurse. As a swimming instructor, Louise developed a love for children that would carry over in subsequent years to her own family.

As she prepared for her senior year of high school in Gooding, she looked forward to being named Jobs Daughter Honored Queen and graduating with her Gooding Senator school mates. Unbeknownst to her, her father Kenneth had a slightly different plan. He had just purchased the Chevrolet dealership in nearby Jerome, so Kenneth and Bessie moved the family to Jerome where Louise would graduate as a Jerome Tiger. Soon after enrolling in Jerome High school, Louise made a new best friend in Barbara (Farris) Mecham; a sisterhood that would last for years to come. The move to Jerome also sparked the meeting of the love of her life, John Richard “Dick” Marshall.

Upon graduation from high school, Dick and Louise were married August 26, 1956 at St. Jerome's Catholic Church. Dick enrolled in Notre Dame University and Louise joined him in South Bend within the year. Louise got busy making their student apartment a home, and they welcomed their first child, Steven Charles (Mary) Marshall.

Lifelong friendships were forged in South Bend, including with Norman and Dora Kruger. Louise said that Dora was 'heaven sent' as a supportive friend and helper for a new first-time mother, and Norman lightened any hard day with a corny joke. Dick met another dear friend at Notre Dame, Richard Cornell from Mayfield, Idaho. Upon meeting Rich, Louise knew he would be an amazing Godfather for Steven and would take the responsibility very seriously. He did and remained a loyal friend until his death.

After Dick graduated from Notre Dame University, the family returned to Jerome to join the family farming business where they have remained. Shortly after returning, they were blessed to welcome three more beautiful children, Kenneth DeWitt (Becky), Mary Louise (Elden) Brown and Marjorie Ann (Scott) Smith, none of whom were spared a hard day's work on the farm. The farming business included the entire family, Louise was no exception. On any autumn day during 'spud' harvest, Louise would be out on a tractor de-vining the 'spuds,' or in the Springtime breeze, she was working as the 'pipe-setting nurse' as Dick referred to her.

The biological family was complete; although over the years, they often welcomed many friends and acquaintances into their home who were seeking shelter, a meal, or a place to belong.

As a mother of four children, Louise set her sights on a life-long goal of becoming a nurse. Shortly after, she graduated from college as a Registered Nurse, which started her professional career. Louise chose the night shift only while her children were young, not wanting to miss any of their sports and school activities.

Louise met wonderful friends and assisted many patients during her 30-year nursing career. While she was committed to her patients and family, she could often be found rolling strikes at the local bowling alley or landing steelhead on the banks of the Salmon River. She never missed an opportunity to attend the grandchildren’s or great grandchildren’s sporting events, school activities, weddings, baptisms, camping trips, or any other event, and she always came prepared with blankets, snacks, Kleenex, first-aid kit, etc.

Louise remained a devout Catholic until her passing. She worked in many diverse ministries at the St. Jerome's parish. She enjoyed helping with Lenten luncheons, funeral dinners, and parish breakfasts. Louise enjoyed the company of her Fourth Day prayer group and a cup of coffee at the parish hall discussing the events of the week. She was passionate about her faith, and it was evident in her daily life.

The greatest joys of Louise's life were her ten grandchildren, Emily (Aaron) Voorhees, Megan (Dylan) Marshall, Allison Marshall Inouye, Ben (Sam) Marshall, Melissa (Chris) Proctor, Jocelyn (Adam) Capetillo, Katie (Ryan) Reinstra, Riley (Heidi) Brown, Nol Kanoa Gordon and Tobin Gordon and seventeen great grandchildren.

Marjorie Louise is survived by her husband of 66 years, John Richard “Dick”; four children, ten grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Bessie Rice; and brother, Dick Rice.

A Vigil for Louise will be held at 6:00 pm, Sunday, March 13, 2022 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church, 216 2nd Ave E, Jerome. Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at 11:00 am, Monday, March 14, 2022 at St. Jerome’s Catholic Church with Fr. Adrian Vazquez, Fr. Boniface Loutz O.S.B. and Fr. Ron Wekerle presiding. Interment will conclude at Jerome Cemetery. Thereafter, a luncheon will be provided by the Loving women of St. Jerome's Parish in the church parish hall.

Our family would like to extend our gratitude to Louise's caretaker, Alicia, and the wonderful staff at St. Luke’s Magic Valley.

Donations may be made on Louise's behalf to Hospice Visions, 455 Parkview Loop E, Twin Falls, Idaho 83301.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Louise’s memorial webpage at www.farnsworthmortuary.com.