Thelma Marsh

She was born in Ambridge on August 16, 1941 to Stanford and Alice Sevin. Her childhood was heavily influenced by her relationship with her father who was a prominent church planter and friend to many in the Beaver county area. From his example, she blossomed into a social butterfly from a young age. Her greatest joys came from making new friends, staying in the loop with people, knowing “who’s who” and praying over her laundry list of names every morning.

She was single mother to her two sons, Paul (Deana) Marsh and Alan (Carrie) Marsh. While raising them, she worked as a manager at DeWalt’s Healthfood Store and a house cleaner. She took up a job cleaning Ambridge Alliance Church on Sunday mornings so she could spend time with her boys. Even amongst her busy work schedule, she took pride in being the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at that church.

When both her sons grew into adulthood, she asked, “What’s next, God?” He responded to her, “Dream with me, Thelma.” Her free time was often spent reading novels like Little House on the Prairie, so she wondered, “Is there a place I can live like that?” One Sunday, a guest minister at her church spoke of his time as a missionary in Alaska. In the very church her father built, she knew what her next chapter would be.

For 11 years, she was a missionary in Kalskag, Alaska, working with the Alaska Bible Institute as a “dorm mom” and instructor. She took great pride in her adventures with Jesus: from being accidentally run over by a dog sled, fumbling through learning the Inuit language, or fishing and hiking in the mountains. Thelma grew and grew in passion for the Great Commission, and believed every person deserves the dignity to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

She returned to Pennsylvania in 2002 to help raise her grandchildren: Tara Marsh Phillips (Buk), Brennen Marsh (Deva), Amelya Marsh (Stratton), Taylor (Adam) Penney, and Donley Penney. She now has two great-grandchildren, Kallie and Jailee.

She was an active member of Champion Life Church where she served and belonged. The members became her second family and greatly enriched her life. She was never short of a friend to take her to Boscov’s.

She lived at the Crescent Place in Ellwood City and became a sort of “dorm mom” like she was in Alaska. She loved music, to bake, to shop and to read. She loved talking on the phone to all her long distance friends. She was a two-time cancer survivor.

She is survived by her sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her brother Jerry (Darlene) Sevin, and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Dorothy Molter and Norma Jean Sevin, and brothers Kenneth Sevin and Billy Sevin, and her ex-husband Wayne Marsh.

Until the very end, Thelma felt so loved and cherished by everyone who called her friend. Although she leaves a large hole in many hearts, she has taken her rightful role as citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Friends will be received on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 4pm until the time of funeral services at 7pm at the Saul-Gabauer Funeral Home, 273 Route 68, Rochester, PA 15074. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Champion Life Church, 3357 Constitution Blvd., Darlington, PA 16115.