1947 – 2024
Salina, Utah – Our sweet and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Marsha Barrett Okerlund, passed from this life peacefully surrounded by her family at her home in Salina at the age of 76 on February 21, 2024.
Marsha was born March 23, 1947, in Salina, Utah, the oldest daughter of Keith and Vaneese Barrett. She married her sweetheart, Paul Okerlund January 29, 1966, in Salina, Utah. They later were sealed for time and all eternity in the Manti LDS Temple. Together they were blessed with 4 children; Lori, Thad, Coni & Cindi. They recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. It’s a testament to the strength of their relationship and the ability to navigate life’s challenges together. Paul and Marsha have a lifetime of beautiful shared memories. We are grateful for the
knowledge that families can be forever and look forward to being all together again one day.
Marsha was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved her time as a Missionary in Cove Fort, Utah in 2011, fulfilling a lifetime goal with her sweetheart, Paul. She was a member of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers. She worked many years researching genealogy and helping others find joy in their heritage.
She had many creative and artistic talents including crocheting, sewing, egg carving, painting, candy making and wood burning. She found happiness from creating and sharing her crafts and talents with others.
Marsha enjoyed spending time with family and friends and her dog, Nip. You could find her in the mountains, fishing, hunting, camping, and enjoying nature. Before her retirement, she worked alongside her parents in the bakery of Barrett’s Food Town, managed Holly’s Pantry and volunteered as an EMT for many years.
Her favorite people call her “Grandma” and she would light up at every hug, visit or phone call. She loved celebrating birthdays, graduations, missions, marriages and other milestones of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was so proud of all they have accomplished. She leaves a beautiful legacy for them to follow.
Marsha is survived by her husband; Paul, her children; Lori Seidel (Mike) of Riverton, Thad Okerlund (Emily) of West Haven, Coni Burnham (Brad) of Salina and Cindi Okerlund (Kristin) of Salina; 13 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Janet and Jim Towers of Murray; brother-in-law Jim Erdei and many more cherished family and friends who will miss her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters; Bonnie Erdei and Holly Barrett, her in-laws; Clyde and Helen Okerlund and her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Jolayne Okerlund. It will be a glorious reunion in heaven with all these loved ones.
The family would like to express sincere appreciation for the many months of tender concern and care of Marsha from Zion’s Way Home Health and Hospice, Joss and Caitlin Harwood, Lacie Carter, Kendyl Barzell and many other friends and family members.
At her request, no funeral services will be held.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Salina 4th Ward Missionary Fund.
Graveside services will be in the Salina East Side Cemetery under the care of the Springer Turner Funeral Home of Richfield and Salina, Utah.
Online guest book at: www.springerturner.com
