Marie Evelyn Shelden

Marie Evelyn Skeens Shelden departed this life on September 2, 2023.  Marie was born July 5, 1918 in Stanton Township, Miami County, Kansas, the second child of William Milton and Hazel Laverne Ricketts Skeens. She attended the rural school at Spring Ridge School District, graduating with other rural students in the county courthouse at Paola, Kansas.  The county superintendent presented their diplomas. Marie continued her education at Osawatomie High School, graduating with the class of 1936. Her plans to attend St. Luke’s School of Nursing had to be cancelled as she went home to keep the family together due to the untimely death of her mother in April of ’36.  In August 1940 James G. Sheldenand Marie were united in marriage by Reverend C.E. Cecil at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, Osawatomie, in the presence of immediate families.  Marie joined this church in 1938 and continued as an active member until her move to Overland Park, Kansas in 2009.

Except for two years, Marie and J.G. lived their 66 years of marriage in Osawatomie. During part of these years, Marie was a legal secretary, working for Ben F. Winchell, then WillisMcQueary.

Marie served in many capacities but felt her greatest honor was serving as Elder in the church.  She was active in P.T.A. and Girl Scouts during her daughters’ growing up years. She was Guardian of Job’s Daughters, regularly attended N.A.R.V.E Unit 142, Delta Epsilon, Osawatomie Historical Society, Osawatomie Museum, Grief Support Group and joined the YMCA when it opened.

Marie especially loved all the times with her family – Sunday dinners, playing cards, birthday celebrations, picnics and of course, the big Thanksgiving Day gathering.  These special occasions provided an opportunity for sharing memories of growing up, changes and challenges.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, her daughter, Lougene Marsh; siblings Francis Geraldine Skeens, Helen Wheatley, Virginia Fries, Marguerite Sims, Warren Skeens, William “Bill” Skeens, Don Skeens and Milton Skeens.  She is survived by her daughter, Martha New of Grapevine, Texas; son-in-law Gary Marsh of Shawnee, Kansas; grandchildren Greg Marsh and wife Julie of Shawnee, Kansas; Brent Marsh and wife Miranda of Oxford, Mississippi; Sarah La Judice of Frisco, Texas and Aaron New of Watauga, Texas; great-grandchildren Erika, Cooper and Tyler of Kansas;Ava and Deacon of Mississippi and Maeven, Aurora, Luna and Shelden of Texas. Marie is also survived by her sister-in-law, Mary and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends.

Services for Marie will be held at First Christian Church of Osawatomie with burial beside her husband at the Osawatomie Cemetery.  Marie lived her life with concern and compassion, always trying to be available when there was a need and beingan example for all as a follower of Jesus Christ.  Marie lived and left a legacy of love.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to further the mission of one of these local organizations:

Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care

www.kchospice.org

Rockhurst University for the St. Luke’s College of Nursing Scholarship Fund

1100 Rockhurst Road

Kansas City, MO 64110

www.rockhurst.edu/give