Marsha Gail (Stagner) Dowd

Marsha Gail Stagner Dowd, 61, loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend to so many, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, September 13th, 2023. She was born November 2, 1961 in Granite City, IL, the youngest child of Roger and Edna (Shanklin) Stagner. She and her siblings were raised in the family home built by her father. Marsha’s home church was Emmanuel Baptist Church in Granite City, where she committed her life to her Lord and Savior and was baptized. Marsha early on learned and lived the healing power of prayer. As a young child, she was diagnosed with leukemia and became gravely ill. As she went into a coma, the family was called to her bedside. The church prayed for a miracle. Marsha survived her cancer and often shared this testimony of the power of prayer.

After graduating from Granite City North High School in 1979, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business from Belleville Area College (now Southwestern Illinois College). She went on to work at two bridal shops before she met the love of her life. Introduced to Christopher Robert Dowd by her brother-in-law in October 1984, the two married on April 26, 1986. A fire in her parent’s home ruined wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses and gifts a month before the wedding. Disaster was turned to triumph as the women of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Illinois came together for a sewing marathon to complete the bridal party gowns in one day and the wedding went on as planned.

Early in their marriage, Marsha was an assistant teacher at Alton Middle school, Alton IL. Chris and Marsha moved 6 times in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, before settling in the Overland Park area in 1996. After visiting a few churches, they joined Emmanuel Baptist Church, Overland Park, where they planted roots and served, always ready to pitch in and help.

Marsha devoted herself to her family, volunteering at school, scouts and church. If her boys were involved, she was there cheering them on. That wasn’t enough to keep her busy though. In 1999, she and her husband started KC Executive Livery Service, Inc. She scheduled, kept records, and told Chris where and when he was needed while also driving customers herself.

Her testimony about cancer was not yet done. About 10 years ago, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which required several surgeries and chemotherapy and radiation treatments. She had past her 5 year cancer free survival mark and was an advocate for breast cancer awareness and screening.

Although her family and work kept her busy, she found time for her creative side through sewing, quilt making and crafts. She collected figurines and dolls and anything turtle! She was an avid “gamer” enjoying board games and her long-standing bunco group. Marsha was known to schedule vacation time and work trips so she did not miss her monthly bunco gathering. She was excitedly looking forward to welcoming a daughter into the family with a November wedding.

Marsha and Chris worked long hours, and didn’t often get time away. One of her fondest vacations was to Hawaii with Chris to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, where they renewed their vows on the beach in Oahu (the furthest outpoint between Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor).

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Kyle; sister-in-law, Tricia Stagner; niece, Alyssa Chrusciel; and her aunt, Dot. She leaves behind her loving husband, Chris of the home; sons, Ryan Christopher Dowd and Lukas Clark Dowd and his fiancée, Aubrey Mason; brothers, Roger (Tricia) Stagner, Ronald (Carol) Stagner; sister, Marilyn (Stagner) Chrusciel; many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews; and her fur baby, Cooper (one of many Shelties in her life).

Services will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 11:00 am at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 10100 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, KS 66212. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am at the Church, prior to the service. Burial will be at a later date in Edwardsville, IL, where her ashes will be laid to rest next to Kyle. The family asks that you bring a favorite photo to the service, as we celebrate her life and legacy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcgilleyhoge.com for the Dowd family.