Nola Mae MARSHALL

PERKY MARSHALL October 30, 1935 - August 11, 2024 Soon after Nola Mae Sellenschuetter was born, her parents knew that her given name wouldn’t do. She very quickly became “Perky” for her joyful character and her ability to light up every room she entered. For anyone blessed to know Perky, her smile, hugs, warmth, ability to put people at ease and unconditional love for everyone were hallmarks. She embodied her nickname and lived up to it for the entirety of her life. Perky was born into a loving, Jesus-centered family. She was the youngest child of Susie and Julius Sellenschuetter (known as Mother and Daddy) and was blessed with a loving family including sisters Doris, Joyce and Marie, and brother Roger (her ornery and favorite childhood playmate). It would be hard to find more different and distinct personalities but these five children loved, supported and cared for each other throughout their lives. When the Sellenschuetter children were together, hearty laughter was almost guaranteed. Julius and Susie were founders of Glad Tidings Fellowship Church which is today’s First Assembly Church in St. Charles. The mission of the church 100 years ago was to “reach souls for Jesus” and that remains its mission today. The church’s mission was also Perky’s mission. Her way of reaching souls for Jesus was through her treatment of others as well as modeling traits characteristic of a Christ follower. She was trustworthy, cheerful, lively, positive, reliable, strong, brave, faithful, generous, grateful, uplifting, compassionate, selfless, loving, kind and had a servant’s heart. She believed the best about people no matter the circumstance. Perky was also slightly mischievous, constantly fun, encouraging, vibrant, adventurous and a good athlete (her church softball pitching prowess remains legendary). Perky’s life changed forever when she went to a church service in Grafton, Illinois. There she saw Curt Marshall, then the pastor of the church. Curt also saw Perky in the audience and knew instantly that he would marry her even though they had yet to meet. Perky must have sensed something as well. The following week she brought her family to the church in Grafton, officially met Curt, and thus began their 66-year love story. Perky and Curt built a legacy of serving the Lord, their family and others. They were heavily involved in the life of the church. Curt led the choir at First Assembly where Perky played piano and sang among a myriad of other volunteer duties. However, serving the Lord didn’t stop at the church doors. They strove to live with purpose and to do God’s will according to biblical teachings. They woke up every day wanting their thoughts and deeds to serve the Lord and grow His kingdom. The two greatest blessings for Perky and Curt were the births of their daughters, Debbie and Linda. You couldn’t find more proud parents of these wonderful, independent, strong girls who have grown up to seek after the Lord just as they were taught by their parents. Debbie and Linda married men who also have hearts for God, Greg Haley and Mark Weaver. Perky had the joy of being “Nana” to four grandchildren: Jordan (Andrew) Weaver Crutchfield and Blake Weaver, Hannah and Lauren Haley and two great grandchildren, Noah and Beau Crutchfield. After a long, full life, Perky was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Rather than wondering, “Why me,” she continued to believe in God’s goodness and grace. In the face of death she said repeatedly, “The Lord has been so good to me. He’s so faithful.” On August 11, 2024, as Perky was transitioning to Heaven, Curt began singing old hymns to her with Debbie and Greg joining in. Even as she was about to leave her earthly body, Perky’s mouth began moving and attempting to sing. This went on for about 10 minutes with the last song being, “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know.” “Jesus” was the last word she uttered before leaving this earth to be with her Savior. Additionally, Perky died with a beautiful, peaceful smile on her face, something the on-site hospice nurse had seen only two other times in her 17 years of caregiving. Perky went to Heaven the same way she arrived on earth: full of joy, love for the Lord and love for her family and friends. Hers is an enduring legacy and a biblical model for how the rest of us should live: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 30-31, NIV) There will be a Visitation at First Assembly Church on Friday, August 16th from 9:30am - 11:30am, with the Funeral Service at 11:30am. Those who wish will go in procession to Oak Grove Cemetery for a 1:15pm committal service. Thank you all for your kind words and memories of Perky. In lieu of flowers, we have created a nonprofit to honor Perky’s legacy of helping others, both locally and abroad. Perky’s Mission 5566 Salt River Rd. St. Peters, MO 63376 Feel free to send in stories so we can make a memory book: perkysmemories@gmail.com “The family would love to hear your favorite stores about Perky”