Ethel Marsh

Ethel Luella Neese Marsh, age 91, formerly of Aitkin County, Minnesota, passed away in Portland, Oregon on Sunday, August 24, 2025, after a brief hospitalization.

Ethel was born August 16, 1934, in Malmo, Minnesota, to Roy and Helen (Berryhill) Neese. She graduated from Aitkin High School in 1952 and attended the Gale Institute in Minneapolis, MN.

On June 19, 1954, Ethel married Al Marsh in Burlington, IA. Two sons, Tim and Steve were born there. They moved to Ottumwa, IA and then to Iowa City, Iowa. In 1992 she retired from Procter & Gamble in Iowa City, IA. They moved to Glen, Minnesota, near Clear Lake, where they lived for thirteen years, during which time they were members of Bethesda Lutheran Church in Malmo, Minnesota. They spent seventeen winters in Texas as snowbirds. In 2005, Ethel and Al moved to Portland, OR, where they spent the remainder of their retirement years.

Ethel was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Portland, OR. She enjoyed gardening and family history. She loved her family and was happiest enjoying them.

Ethel was preceded in death by her beloved husband of almost 70 years: Alfred Marsh and by her parents Roy and Helen Neese.

Longevity seems to run in the Neese family. Ethel's dad, Roy Neese had lived until age 94. Her mother Helen lived until age 100. In 2025, Ethel and her siblings (with the exception of baby sister Eleanor!) were celebrating being in their tenth decade together. They had each hoped for more time with their dear sister Ethel and are saddened at her sudden passing.

Ethel will be lovingly missed by by her sons: Tim Marsh of Coon Rapids, MN; Steve (Margaret) Marsh of Portland, OR; her grandson Will; her granddaughters: Jenni and Kirsten (Shad) and four great grandchildren. Ethel is also survived by her brothers: Jerry (Jeannine) Neese of Salt Lake City, UT; Philip (Mary Jo) Neese of Malmo, MN; Robert (Jacqueline) Neese of Maple Grove, MN; her sister Eleanor Miles of Centralia, WA; and many nieces and nephews.

Ethel moved to Russellville, an independent living facility in Portland, OR in June 2024, after a difficult year living alone once Al, her beloved husband, passed away. Ethel found community and deep friendships at Russellville, as she had every place she ever lived. She had just celebrated her 91st birthday with many friends and family. She will be missed by all.