Marsha Stewart, 82, born in Salina, passed away March 3, 2024, surrounded by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Jack Stewart. Together they leave six grown children-Sharon, Marina, Steve, Robert, Jennifer, and Rebecca-ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Marsha graduated Magna cum Laude from Kansas Wesleyan and served a brief stint with the U.S. Army. She conquered her many vocations of nurse, small business owner, and nursing home administrator, all the while pursuing her own art and making time to act on the Salina Community Theatre (SCT) stage. Marsha served on the SCT board, and the play-reading committee, then turned her talent to directing.

It was this last pursuit, where at the age of 60, Marsha directed and entered the play “Wit” into the American Association of Community Theatre Festival’s national competition. Beating out hundreds of other entrants, “Wit” placed first nationally, and Marsha brought that honor back to Salina and the SCT.

Marsha was at the hub of the SCT family for six decades, hosting countless play parties, pool parties, nights around the piano, and holiday gatherings for friends craving a home base. Marsha and Jack were leading forces in helping establish what is now known as Theatre Salina.

Marsha was temperamentally an artist, intensely curious, a voracious reader, an incredible cook, a wonderful actress and a maker and collector of art. To know Marsha was to know joy and laughter. To be mentored by her was a high compliment.

Born an only child, Marsha was to choose her own sisters and brothers, the many friends she loved, laughed with, and leaves behind.

Marsha’s best art was her life rendered in full color.

Celebration of Life Service will be held 10am, Friday, March 15, at the Theatre Salina.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Theatre Salina.