Marsha Ann Doyle

Marsha Ann Doyle was born on May 9, 1954, in Great Bend, Kansas, to Delmar and Jean Doyle. She was lovingly raised by Pearl “Granny” Freeman until the age of eight, and then by Donna Doyle, Delmar’s second wife, from age nine on. At the time of her passing, Marsha had her dear friends Tina, Nelly, and Sherri, along with her sister Carla, by her side.

Marsha attended Robert E. Lee High School in Houston, Texas, where she graduated summa cum laude. She continued her education by taking classes at both Rice University and the University of Houston. She began her professional career working in banking and later for a home builder.

A few years later, Marsha moved to Lamar, where she followed her heart into service and the nonprofit world. She worked with the Sheltered Workshop and volunteered extensively with the American Red Cross, earning numerous certifications in training and instruction. She later joined the Girl Scouts of the Ozarks Area Council. A lifetime Girl Scout, Marsha truly embodied the Girl Scout Promise and Law—being honest, fair, friendly, helpful, courageous, strong, responsible, and committed to making the world a better place through her everyday life.

Marsha later went on to work for the City of Lamar, where she served as Parks and Recreation Director for 16½ years. It was during her time with the City of Lamar that she married the love of her life, Bruce Magruder.

Throughout her life, Marsha volunteered with more than 25 nonprofit organizations, including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, multiple branches of the American Red Cross, the Barton County Chamber of Commerce, Lamar Enterprises, AOK, the Arts Council of Barton County, and many others. She was also the first elected woman of the Lamar Rotary Club, where her long-standing motto, “Service Above Self,” was not just a phrase, but a way of life. She was a grant writer for many of these non- profits and Marsha was an Honorary Board Member and Grant Recipient Decider for her sister Carla's foundation.

Marsha was a woman of many talents. She was a square dance caller and instructor, did auctioneering work, was published in magazines and newspaper columns, and was also a playwright and author.

Faith was central to Marsha’s life. She attended and served in several churches, including Bethany Church, First Assembly of God (where she was a member for 20 years), and later found her final church home at Lamar Family Ministries Center. In every church she attended, Marsha held key leadership roles, sang, raised funds and supplies for missionaries, frequently hosted visiting missionaries, and became deeply integrated into each church family—forming lifelong friendships everywhere she served.

Marsha is survived by her faithful companion, Molly; her three stepchildren, Shawn, Sarah, and Tyler Magruder; and her five siblings: Darryl Crouse, Sheila Crouse, Donna Crouse, Shelley Horton, and Dr. Carla Northcott, along with their families. She is also survived by 32 nieces and nephews, 28 great-nieces and great-nephews, 2 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and close friends.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Bruce Magruder; her grandparents Pearl and Charles Freeman; her biological mother Jean; her father Delmar; her stepmother Donna; brothers David and Larry; sisters Sharron, Sandra, Cheryl, and Roberta; her nephew Gregory; her niece Linda; and many aunts, uncles, and close friends she considered family.

Marsha was a strong Christian woman who truly lived for the Lord. She was bold in everything she did—unapologetically faithful, fearless in love, and unshakable in her convictions. She served her community in countless ways, always giving more than was expected. Many people knew Marsha—if you grew up around Lamar, it was nearly impossible not to know her.

She was a fierce leader with a loud personality. She always had an opinion, and when she spoke, the room listened. Marsha held countless leadership positions, and nearly all of her work was done in leading roles. She was a mentor, guide, protector, and a trusted voice others followed. She was an incredible asset to Lamar, and the town will not be the same without her.

Marsha was smart as a tack and sharp as a whip. When she spoke, her voice commanded attention, and when she sang, you didn’t just hear the message—you felt it in your entire body and soul. Her voice carried truth, strength, and the Spirit of the Lord.

Though she had no children of her own, Marsha adopted everyone else’s in spirit. Many considered her a second mom or an aunt—a steady presence of love, wisdom, and care. She loved as boldly as she spoke and gave from her heart because she wanted to be more like Jesus.

The world has lost an incredible woman, and it simply will not be the same without her.

Marsha’s Celebration of Life will be held on February 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Lamar Family Ministries Center, located at 1108 Gulf Street, Lamar, Missouri 64759. All are welcome to attend.