Marsha Louise Burress

Marsha Louise Burress was bom Feb. 21, 1946, in Seattle. She was eldest daughter of Marshall and Lois Burress. Marsha was raised in Moses Lake, Wash., along with two younger sisters, Suzanne and Carla. Marsha’s journey here on earth ended on Friday, Aug. 15, 2008.

In her own words … “In realizing that my time on earth was short and cancer was unfortunately winning, I have the opportunity to leave my family and friends with some of my thoughts and reflections.

First of all, God blessed me with wonderful parents, Marshall and Lois Burress, who gave love, guidance, and strength through the years, and Ardyce Johnson who gave me life.

To my children, Dennis Mackay and Lisa Webb, I want you to know how very proud I am of you both. You have stood by me and supported me in the most difficult of times. For that I love you more than you will ever know.

My three grandchildren, Taylor, Connor and Madeline Webb, you are my three angels from heaven. My memories of your love, hugs, and kisses are priceless. As your grandma, the times we had together brought much joy. I love seeing the choices the three of you have made to follow Christ. To quote my grandma Burress, ‘I wish you all the good things of life and grow up to make a good Christian person with all the character youcame into the world with.’

For my family and friends, your love and support through the many years has been immeasurable. You are too numerous to mention but each of you are special in my heart. You have extended love and a helping hand beyond anything I could have ever hoped for.”

Marsha had a talent for making people smile. She was kind and generous to all she came in contact with. Marsha was extremely creative which was obvious in any endeavor she took on. She loved to cook and entertain, having been a local caterer for many years. Marsha always showed others she loved them by making them wonderful meals. Marsha had a green thumb. She always had beautiful pots of flowers all around her. She loved retail, having worked both at Pinky’s Shop of Fashion and Miller’s Fine Jewelry. Marsha, in most recent years, was a loving caregiver for both her parents in their golden years. Her three grandchildren have always been a special highlight in her life, for which she would dress up as the Easter Bunny every year. She was the best grandmother any child could ever want. She was deeply loved by her grandkids. She loved to be adventurous, once climbing the Great Wall of China. Marsha always enjoyed the thrill of riding on the back of a Harley-Davidson. Marsha enjoyed a sunny warrn beach. Her favorite spots included Mexico, Hawaii, Oregon Coast and Soap Lake. Her close friends and family knew that she was always an avid fan of Elvis Presley. Marsha was a classy and beautiful woman, both inside and out. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

Marsha is survived by her father, Marshall Burress, two sisters, Suzanne Karens and Carla McKean (Luke), one daughter, Lisa Webb, one son, Dennis Mackay, three grandchildren, Taylor, Connor and Madeline Marsha Webb, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Marsha was preceded in death by her mother, Lois Burress.

A memorial to celebrate her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake with Paul Wagner officiating.

“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because of the memories.” — Marsha