HAZEL IRENE MARSH

Hazel Irene Marsh, 87, of Farlington, Kansas died at 11:05 p.m., Monday, March 24, 2008, in the Arma Care Center in Arma, Kan. Irene was born March 23, 1921 in Fort Scott, Kan., a daughter of Elmer and Iva (Matlock) Hill. She grew up in Farlington.

She married James A. Marsh on November 23, 1940, in Farlington. He survives of the home.

She was the first lady ferry boat operator, having lived in Seattle, Washington with the family of the captain of the Staton Island Ferry. She worked as a typist for Western Insurance in Fort Scott for 18 years. James and Irene operated the Marsh Reel Inn at the Farlington Lake for 27 years. She was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1994. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Farlington. She enjoyed playing dominoes and cards.

Surviving in addition to her husband is a daughter, Joyce Purdon, and her husband Dennis, of Pittsburg, Kan.; a brother, Jerry Hill, and his wife Bun Ling, of Wichita, Kan., sisters Mary Hughes of Farlington and Joan Villamaria, and her husband Val, of Nevada, Mo.; grandsons Jeff Purdon, and his wife Robin, of Mulberry, Kan. and Keven Purdon of Inola, Okla.; great-granddaughters Taeler, Kelse, Alaina, and Jillian Purdon; numerous nephews and nieces including Becky Halsey of Fort Scott who provided for her care.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold Hill and Eldon Hill.

Mrs. Marsh's body has been donated to the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church in Farlington with the Rev. Steve Cole officiating. Burial will be at a later date in the Farlington Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Church in Farlington and these may be left at the church or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, KS 66743.