MaryLee Bennett Stokes Marsh of Springfield, MO, passed away April 22, 2024, at age 96.  She was born March 11, 1928, to parents Iva (Olson) Bennett and Lane Bennett, in Onida, SD.  She was age 5 when the family moved from a ranch in SD to a farm in Brandon, MN.  She attended Brandon Public School, then graduated from Central High School in Alexandria, MN.   Following graduation she joined her parents and  brother and sister in Springfield, MO.  There she met and married Joe A. Stokes.  One son was born of this union.  They started traveling when their son, Ron, was 6 months old and lived in many states while Joe was in pipeline  construction.  They divorced after 28 years of marriage.  MaryLee attended colleges in several states studying art, secretarial and retail courses.  She was employed as secretary in Tulsa County for a federal food program in their Home Economic Department.  She worked in department stores, then owned a women's apparel shop in Springfield, MO, called the Silhouette Shop.  She was a volunteer for Women's Chamber of Commerce in the 1970's, and later served as a docent for the Springfield Art Museum.  She joined the Cameo Art group of SMMA in 1996, then served on the board of SMMA for 12 years.

MaryLee married Francis Coe Marsh in November of 1995.  He passed away in May of 1998.  In addition to her husband, Francis Marsh, she was preceded in death by her brothers Lorell Bennett (Grace) of Garfield MN, Norris Bennett (Linda) of Chariton, IA, her sister Lavon Rapp (Bob) of Alexandria, MN, and her brother Bob Bennett of Anawan, IL.

MaryLee was a member of King's Way United Methodist Church since 1985.  She sang there in the choir and was in the morning circle of United Methodist Women, Prime Time Sunday School class, and attended Classic Senior meetings.

Survivors of MaryLee's many families include her son, Ron Stokes and wife Christine Stokes of Mohegan Lake, NY;  grandson Eric Stokes of Stamford, CT, and granddaughter Courtney Stokes of Astoria, NY.

Bennett Family Survivors
Her sole sibling survivor is sister Betty Vandegrift (Bob) of Greenfield, MO,.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Betty Bennett of Anawan, IL., as well as the large extended families of all of her sisters and brothers including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Marsh Family Survivors
Stepdaughter Melodee Hunter and her husband, Derek, of Rogersville, MO, and their children: Lyndee Hawken (David), Brenton Hunter (Aimee), Dalton Hunter (Ellen), great grandchildren Lynlee, Balian, Derekah, Karrington, Weston and Eowyn.  Also surviving are  stepdaughter Georgette Bernhardt (Keith) of Rogersville, and their families: Jennifer Hutchison (Cory) of Sheridan, AR, great grandchildren, Colton and Clayton, Catheryn (Taylor Steele), great-great-granddaughter Evelynn, Eileen and Atticus of Waynseville, MO.  Stephen Rossner (Latisha) great-grandchildren Brennan, Aiden, and Adalynn of Nixa, Brittany and Alyssa Allen of Springfield, MO.

Stokes Family Survivors
Brothers-in-law Efton Stokes (Barbara), & Charlie Stokes (Irma), Sister-in-law Ruth Blevens (Emery), as well as the large extended families of all of her sisters and brothers-in-law including children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Other Families
MaryLee Marsh was blessed in life to be part of so many other less formal "families."  Some of these include her associations with the Springfield Art Museum, the King's Way United Methodist Church, and her wonderful community of friends and neighbors in Cooper Estates, as well as many others.

MaryLee Marsh's family wish to express their profound appreciation for the love, friendship and companionship shown to MaryLee during her lifetime as well as the condolences and well wishes expressed by so many upon her passing.  Thank you so much.

Memorial Services Information
Visitation begins at 10 am on Friday, May 3, 2024, at King's Way United Methodist Church to be followed by services at 11.  Burial following services will take place at Ash Grove Cemetery.  In memory of MaryLee one may donate to Chancel Choir fund or budget of United Methodist Women, both of King's Way United Methodist Church, or to Springfield Council of Churches.