Marsha Poppe Koster was born on June 3, 1955, in Marion, Kansas, and passed to her heavenly home on February 27, 2022. She was in the company of her loved ones as she left this world.
Marsha had many outstanding qualities. She first exhibited these skills as an athlete at Centre High School as she led the Cougars in their inaugural season to a 2nd place finish in the IA state basketball tournament. She then took her talents to Kansas State University where she was a four-year letter winner on the Wildkittens basketball and track programs. She was one of the leading rebounders and scorers on the team and helped them to a sixth-place finish in the national tournament in 1975. In track she excelled in the javelin throw and finished 4th in the nation as a freshman and 2nd in both her sophomore and junior years. Her senior year she was unable to participate because of an illness.
Marsha graduated from Kansas State with a degree in Home Economics and began her teaching career in Summerfield, Kansas, and later substitute taught at Mankato and Clay Center. She obtained her degree in Special Education in 2000 and began her new career as teacher at Blue Valley and Clay Center Community High School. She continued in this position until her retirement in 2021. Because of her gentle, nurturing and caring personality she influenced many students and acquired their trust and confidence throughout the years. In addition to her teaching position, Marsha also was involved in coaching at these schools.
One of Marsha's passions was volleyball—watching and officiating the sport. Marsha refereed volleyball for 40+ years and worked numerous state tournaments, as well as many other tournaments and matches during this time. Because of her knowledge and expertise, she was selected to be an Area Supervisor for the Activities Association in volleyball and worked in this capacity for over 20 years.
Marsha was an excellent seamstress and used her talents in a variety of ways. She learned these skills from her mother and made many of her own clothes in high school and college. For many years she enjoyed cross stitch and many of her projects are displayed around the house. She also crafted many different dolls and collectibles and sold these at area craft shows. In her later years, she began to quilt and was an active member of the local Quilt Guild.
Of all the roles in which Marsha participated, the one in which she was most proud, was that of being a wife, mother and later, a grandmother. She devotedly followed the activities of her three children—Jamie, Brett, Megan—and supported them in their many adventures. She was a willing volunteer in helping with homework, school projects and encouraged the kids in their academic and athletic pursuits. She undertook the job of being a grandmother with enthusiasm and followed her grandchildren's activities with excitement and joy, looked forward to their numerous events and smothered them with love.
Marsha was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Erin; her father, Vernon "Bum", and her brother, Tom. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Ron; her children, Jamie Koster of Clay Center; Brett Koster and wife Andrea, children Bo and Farah, of Chapman; Megan Griffiths and husband Cane, children Ellie, Rylee, Raegan, Sawyer, and Emmie of Wakefield; her mother Ruth Poppe of Clay Center; sister-in-law Carol of Leawood; a brother Wayne Poppe and wife Connie of Oklahoma City; a sister Janelle Poppe of Olathe and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Marsha was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul on March 4 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon and then burial at the Cawker City cemetary.
Visitation will take place at the funeral home on March 3 from 3-7 p.m. with family present from 5-7 p.m. Rosary will follow.