Marsha Irene Walters

Marsha Irene Walters age 65, of Stover, passed away peacefully Thursday evening, October 25, 2018, at her home surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born January 31, 1953, in Kansas City, a daughter of Marshall and Bernice Copek Phillips.  Marsha married William “Bill” Black in November 1974 and to this union her five sons were born.  On March 31, 2001, Marsha married Samuel Walters, who died unexpectedly on January 11, 2003.

She was a graduate of Blue Springs High School and continued her education through EMT and Paramedic training throughout her career.

Marsha devoted her life to Emergency Medical Services.  She began her EMS career 37 years ago with the Laurie and Mid-Mo Ambulance Districts.  While at Mid-Mo she also worked alongside Dr. Howard Hoffa in the Stover Clinic, providing medical services to her local community.  In December of 1995, Marsha began working for Capital Region EMS, which is now Cole County EMS, touching thousands of lives through her duties as a paramedic, supervisor and dispatcher.  She also was instrumental in training and mentoring numerous EMT’s and dispatchers throughout her career.  Marsha was often referred to as the “Mother Hen of EMS”.  In December 2017, after working for 22 years in Cole County, Marsha retired and was recognized with a Proclamation from the Missouri State House of Representatives for her dedication to Emergency Medical Services.

Marsha was also an active member of the Stover community; she was currently serving as City Alderwoman and recently stepped down from the Golden Age Living Center Board of Directors.  She was a willing volunteer, helping out at the Morgan County R-I school and with the Stover Booster Club.  She enjoyed working in the Stover Park and especially loved taking her grandchildren to see all of the Christmas lights.  She was also a faithful member of the Stover First Baptist Church, where she could be found helping with the church activities.

She loved listening to Elvis, watching Royals baseball and her beloved town of Stover.  She looked forward to her “special sisters” trips and buying crafts; however, her greatest enjoyment in life came from being with her family.  Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she made it a priority to attend the many events they were involved in.  Not only was she a grandma to her own grandchildren but to many others in the community and at her work place.  Marsha’s passion in life was caring for others.

Survivors include her five sons and daughters-in-law, Ronald Dean and Grace Black of Excelsior Springs; William Edward Jr., and Ashley Black, James Arthur Sr., and Lynette Black; Charles Howard and Kelly Black all of Stover; Michael Ray Black, Kansas City; three siblings, Vicki Naylor of Kansas; Terry Phillips and Kathy Venable both of Kansas City; her grandchildren, Ronald Dean Black Jr., William Edward Black III, Jacob Valentin Black, Charles Howard Black II, James Arthur Black II, Eddie Gattorno, Austin Morris, Kaylan  Christine Black, Jayna Lynette Black, Helen Susanna Black, Brooklyn Ann Black, Danielle Gattorno, Madison Thogmartin, Drew Thogmartin and Walter Stanton Black, a great grandson, Brody Tate Oglesby, her “special sisters”, Kim Kline, Michelle Brade and Shannon Ballard, along with  nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her husband Sam, Marsha was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Virginia Bornam, grandson William Tate Thogmartin.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, at the Stover First Baptist Church with Rev. Chris Roe and Bro. Rex Morrison officiating.  Honors will be rendered by the Missouri EMS Funeral Response Team.  Interment will be held in the Stover Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, October 29, at the Scrivner-Morrow Funeral Home in Stover.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Stover First Baptist Church or the Christmas Light Fund at the Stover Park.

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