Shirley K. Marsh

Shirley Kay Marsh (Sweeney) passed away quietly on the morning of Wednesday, October 11, 2023, a little over a week after suffering a hemorrhagic stroke. Shirley was born in the midst of the Great Depression on May 7, 1934, to Guy and Rhea Sweeney. She grew up in Columbus, Indiana, and had what she described as a happy childhood, in spite of growing up on “the poor side of town.” She shared her childhood with her older sister, Jacqueline Nentrup (Sweeney), of North Vernon, IN (deceased). After graduating from Columbus High School in 1952, Shirley worked at the Parks Department to save up money for Nursing school. She obtained her Nursing Diploma at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. After graduation, she worked for a short time with a thoracic surgeon, and later was hired as a Float Nurse at then Bartholomew County Hospital (currently Columbus Regional Hospital). Over her 32 years at the hospital, in addition to Float Nurse, where she gained valuable experience in all aspects of nursing, her roles included: Operating Room Supervisor, Director of Nursing, Assistant Administrator, and finally Chief Operating Officer. She oversaw many changes related to the hospital, including assisting in the establishment of a Hospice program in Columbus, as well as a major renovation and updating of the hospital building. She was extremely proud of her time at the hospital and all she accomplished there. At her retirement on May 25, 1989, she was awarded the Key to the City of Columbus, as well as Sagamore of the Wabash, the highest award in the state of Indiana, for her years of service. On September 28, 1957, Shirley married the love of her life, Clyde Marsh of Columbus, IN (deceased), and they spent 42 wonderful years together. She was a proud mom to Clyde’s children, Michele and Stanley Marsh (both deceased), and to her four children with Clyde: Jeff Marsh of Scipio, IN, Steve Marsh of Spearfish SD, David Marsh of Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and Amy Thompson of Goshen, IN. She loved being a mom, and in spite of her busy work schedule managed to attend her kids various school and sports events. She was extremely proud of them, as well as her 7 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She loved travel, eating out, movies, music, reading, cooking, and spending time with her family. She was greatly loved and will be greatly missed. In addition to those listed above, she is survived by her brother-in-law Jerry Marsh and his wife Hazel, of Reddington, IN. Calling Hours will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and one hour before the service at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, beginning at 10:50 a.m. with honors given by the Nursing Honor Guard and Pastor Michael Black officiating the service. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Shirley may be made through the funeral home to Our Hospice of South-Central Indiana. Arrangements entrusted to Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home.