Maxcella Marsh

Maxcella Jean Hood Marsh, 94, a life-long Sciotoville resident died January 16, 2018 at Best Care Nursing Center after an extended illness. Born July 27, 1923 to the late Kerry O. and Hazel Martin Hood, she was preceded in death by her sister Arlene Farmer, brother Owen, infant twin brothers Thomas and Nelson, and former husband C. Dale Marsh. She also was preceded in death by son-in-law, Ronald Chamberlin, whom she loved dearly. She is survived by: daughter Keri Ann Chamberlin of Wheelersburg, and son Ty D. Marsh (Laurie) of Columbus; grandchildren Anne Michelle Chamberlin and Nathan (Jenny) Chamberlin of Wheelersburg; and, great-grandchildren Ella Ann and Lane Tyler Crew Chamberlin, and Ava Kate Chamberlin.

A proud graduate of East High School, she worked at the Scioto County Courthouse, Portsmouth General Hospital and Scioto Memorial Hospital before enrolling in nursing school as an adult. She graduated in the inaugural class of Kettering College of Medical Arts in Dayton earning a B.S. degree in Nursing Science. She retired as the school nurse for New Boston Schools where she combined her love of children, education and health to touch the lives of many students, faculty, staff, and their families.

Her fierce devotion to Sciotoville and the values it represents through churches, schools and its citizens made her a tireless and spirited advocate for her community. With her neighbors, she successfully fought the 1950’s proposed closing of East High School and merger with Portsmouth High School, convinced the city to close Bonser Ave. hill during heavy snows to allow public sledding, jointly worked with Sciotoville and Wheelersburg leaders to help establish and build Tan Lan pool, and elected city council and school board members who supported Sciotoville’s civic agenda - all for the betterment of her community.

She was actively engaged in the Democratic Party, and was proud to have worked on Ohio House Speaker Vern Riffe’s first electoral campaign for state representative as well as circulating petitions door-to-door for Presidential candidate John F. Kennedy.

Along with her parents, she was a life-long member of Sciotoville United Methodist Church (now Christ UM Church) where she found sustenance and strength in her faith, worshipped regularly, and volunteered for countless projects. Later in life she also attended Wheelersburg United Methodist Church with her grandchildren.

While she demonstrated extraordinary generosity of spirit and tireless efforts for her friends and community, her ultimate passion was reserved for her family and beloved grandchildren.

She also had two special friends, Diane Chamberlin and Donna Fletcher.

A funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 19th at the BRANT FUNERAL HOME IN SCIOTOVILLE with Pastor Perry Prosch, officiating.  Interment will be in Memorial Burial Park.  The family will receive guests at Brant’s from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Friday.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the East High School Scholarship Legacy Fund at the Scioto Foundation, 303 Chillicothe Street, Portsmouth, OH  45662.