Obituary for Becky Jo Marsalis
Becky Jo Marsalis, 76, of Olathe, KS, passed away Feb. 19, 2021. Funeral service will be held Monday, March 1, 2021 at 11:00 am. Visitation will be 10:00 am before the service at New Life Community Church, 17935 Moonlight Rd., Gardner, KS. Burial follows at Gardner Cemetery, Gardner, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Home of Hope for Women, http://www.shilohhomeofhope.org/Help/. Shiloh Home of Hope for Women embodies the ideals and passion that Becky held so deeply in her heart.
Arrangements: Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, KS (913) 856-7111.Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com
Becky was born April 26, 1944 in Depew, OK to Robert Baxter and Lucile Adeline (Alewine) Dunning. She spent her childhood in Southeast Texas, residing in Houston and then Beaumont.
Becky married James Wilton Marsalis on October 2, 1964 in Beaumont, TX, in spite of Hurricane Hilda making its way towards them. They honeymooned in Mexico. After several moves (even being called gypsies by some), Jim and Becky settled in Wichita, KS, where they lived for 35 years. They made Olathe their home nearly 11 years ago, enjoying their children’s and grandchildren’s visits from close and afar.
Becky lived for her family. She was a devoted mother and wife. Becky filled her home with love, children and pets. She set high expectations and was a cheerleader, never missing a game or performance; lately even wrangling live streaming so she could watch her grandchildren. Additionally, she ensured everyone got where they needed via “Mom’s Taxi”. Becky loved Jesus and shared that love with her children. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, computer games, playing board games and Uno with her grandkids. She loved to shop for bargains whether it was a garage sale or the clearance rack. She never missed Black Friday if she could help it, and even pulled a few all-nighters.
Becky was passionate about helping others. She had a huge and generous heart. She spent time volunteering for organizations that help women in crisis through services and shelters. She believed in empowering young women and giving them the tools to succeed. She also gave time and resources to helping the homeless and stocking local food pantries. She never missed an opportunity to help someone in need.
Becky had contagious laughter that filled the room. She was fun and funny, and laughed at her own jokes even when no one else did. She loved deeply and wore her heart on her sleeve; you never had to guess how she felt about something or someone. She told the truth, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She was all or nothing, highly competitive, and always curious. She was an incredible story-teller and would talk your ear off in person or on the phone. She will be dearly missed by family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Becky is survived by her husband, James, of the home; children: Melissa and husband James Taylor, Gardner, KS, Cherice and husband Karlton Dodson, Herndon, VA and Bryan and wife Frederique Marsalis, Roussines, France and eight grandchildren; Katelyn, Matthew, Skylar, Ayana, Scarlett, Maysen, Jayden, and Adelyn.
Arrangements: Bruce Funeral Home, Gardner, KS (913) 856-7111.Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com
Becky was born April 26, 1944 in Depew, OK to Robert Baxter and Lucile Adeline (Alewine) Dunning. She spent her childhood in Southeast Texas, residing in Houston and then Beaumont.
Becky married James Wilton Marsalis on October 2, 1964 in Beaumont, TX, in spite of Hurricane Hilda making its way towards them. They honeymooned in Mexico. After several moves (even being called gypsies by some), Jim and Becky settled in Wichita, KS, where they lived for 35 years. They made Olathe their home nearly 11 years ago, enjoying their children’s and grandchildren’s visits from close and afar.
Becky lived for her family. She was a devoted mother and wife. Becky filled her home with love, children and pets. She set high expectations and was a cheerleader, never missing a game or performance; lately even wrangling live streaming so she could watch her grandchildren. Additionally, she ensured everyone got where they needed via “Mom’s Taxi”. Becky loved Jesus and shared that love with her children. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, computer games, playing board games and Uno with her grandkids. She loved to shop for bargains whether it was a garage sale or the clearance rack. She never missed Black Friday if she could help it, and even pulled a few all-nighters.
Becky was passionate about helping others. She had a huge and generous heart. She spent time volunteering for organizations that help women in crisis through services and shelters. She believed in empowering young women and giving them the tools to succeed. She also gave time and resources to helping the homeless and stocking local food pantries. She never missed an opportunity to help someone in need.
Becky had contagious laughter that filled the room. She was fun and funny, and laughed at her own jokes even when no one else did. She loved deeply and wore her heart on her sleeve; you never had to guess how she felt about something or someone. She told the truth, even if it wasn’t what you wanted to hear. She was all or nothing, highly competitive, and always curious. She was an incredible story-teller and would talk your ear off in person or on the phone. She will be dearly missed by family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents. Becky is survived by her husband, James, of the home; children: Melissa and husband James Taylor, Gardner, KS, Cherice and husband Karlton Dodson, Herndon, VA and Bryan and wife Frederique Marsalis, Roussines, France and eight grandchildren; Katelyn, Matthew, Skylar, Ayana, Scarlett, Maysen, Jayden, and Adelyn.