Marsha McCarthy

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Marsha Lynn McCarthy, 84, of Joplin, Missouri, died on September 25, 2023. She was born in Joplin on March 24, 1939, the daughter of the late Roy L. Mathews and Grace Lorene (Owens) Mathews, and stepfather Gordon Smith.

Marsha worked as an administrative assistant; one might say “the bosses’ boss”. She was a great attribute to the companies that she worked for. 

She was a very talented artist. She helped make sets for plays at College Heights Christian Church and School, and for Highest Praise at Ozark Christian College. She painted the bowling mural for the 4th Street Bowling Alley and a mural for ARM several years ago. She used to paint holiday scenes on the windows at Murphy Manor.

She was in several performances at Joplin Little Theater. She enjoyed dancing, playing the piano and making a variety of arts and crafts. Marsha loved flowers and was a wonderful gardener. She once won an award for the prettiest yard in Joplin.

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Roy L. Mathews and Grace Lorene (Owens) Mathews., and stepfather Gordon Smith; her brother, Michael Mathews; and her son, Jeff McCarthy. 

 She is survived by daughters; Kristin Perry and Heather (Wayne) Gruenewald; seven grandchildren, Aimee (Michael) Vaughn, Joshua (Samantha) Gruenewald, Rachel Gruenewald, Ashley (Jess) Hettinger, Bobby McCarthy, Aleena McCarthy, and Paul McCarthy; eight great grandchildren; one nephew, Scott Mathews; and one niece, Julie Blanchard.

A Celebration of Life will be held 6:00 p.m. Monday October 2nd at God’s Resort. Jay St. Clair will officiate. A reception will be held immediately following the service at God’s Resort.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be given to the Joplin Humane Society in care of
Mason-Woodard Mortuary. Animals were certainly Marsha’s passion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.