Marsha Ann Lackey

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Marsha Ann Edwards Lackey. Marsha was born at Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, July 30, 1958. She passed from this life to the next in Tulsa at the Cancer Treatment Center of America on Friday, September 14, 2018.

Marsha is survived by her husband of 42 years, Lee Bryan Lackey III, of the home; daughters, Leah Lackey of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Halee Lesch and her husband Chris, of Arvada, Colorado; grandchildren, Estella and Luke; as well as her mother, Dorris Lanett (Scott) Edwards, and her brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Debbie Edwards, all of Ratliff City, Oklahoma. Marsha is also survived by sister-in-law, Lisa Lackey, and brother-in-law, Paul Lackey and his wife, Sandy, and nieces, Tess and Katie. Marsha is also survived by a multitude of close friends and other relatives.

Her grandparents, father, C. L. Edwards, and father-in-law & mother-in-law, L. B. & Margrie Lackey, preceded her in death and welcomed her home.

She attended Fox Public School where she was active in Band, Stage Band, Chorus, Swing Choir, Student Council, Honor Society, Girls State, Speech Club, and 4-H where she placed in the top 10 in the state dress revue. She received many superior awards at district, state, and tri-state competitions playing her flute. She was the drum majorette for 3 years and a proud member of the Class of ’76 who voted her Most Likely to Succeed. She attended Cosmetology school in Duncan and obtained her license in 1981. Later she was also a certified Master Gardener and earned an associate’s degree from Murray State College.

Her family always came first and many miles were put on the family vehicle attending cross country meets, piano and music competitions, and a multitude of school activities with her girls and their friends. She loved time spent in Colorado with her Bryan, children, and grandchildren which she adored. She rode her RZR up and down the mountains, hiked up mountains, spent time camping at their favorite spot near Bonanza, Colorado and visiting with the Georgia Boyz, Stan & Ennis.

Marsha was the manager of the Ardmore JC Penney Salon for 28 years. Every client was treated as a “best friend”, and she treated her team as family. Her clients felt uplifted when they left her chair and many became close friends. When she retired in August 2017, the writing on the cake at her reception simply said, “You are a ‘cut’ above the rest!” which was an accurate description of her life.

She began the fight of her life in 2015 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She received treatment at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa and got to “ring the bell” as cancer free, but in March of 2018, a different form of aggressive breast cancer came roaring into her life. She fought hard and bravely, but, unfortunately, this time, the cancer won the earthly battle. Her brave spirit shone throughout the battle and many of the cancer center staff, employees, family, and friends were touched by her courage and her fighting spirit. More often than not, she was the one consoling and comforting her support team.

She loved her dogs and cats. Because of her love for all animals, she may have single handedly saved more pets than local shelters!

Marsha was a great source of inspiration and motivation to everyone around her. She hated injustice and had the unique ability to admonish, counsel, and encourage firmly, but lovingly and always encouraging us to do our best and have fun along the way. She loved her family and friends “big” to the end and she leaves a tremendous legacy of a life of love. She spent her last days with her family and closest friends encouraging, comforting, and loving them. Her message for all of us is not to take one another for granted and to always be good to one another. Her sparkle, compassion, counsel, loving spirit, bravery, and love of life will be missed immensely.

In lieu of food and flowers, Marsha requests donations be made to cancer research.

Family visitation will be Tuesday, September 18, 6-8 p.m. at the Alexander Funeral Home in Ratliff City. A celebration of life will be held at the Ratliff City First Baptist Church on Wednesday, September 19 at 2 p.m. There will not be graveside services at this time since Marsha will be cremated.

Pallbearers will be Jim Holt, Paul Lackey, Ronnie Lackey, Virgil Thurman, Joe Jennings, and Dewey Gandy. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Hisey, Mike Weeden, Mark Riggs, Fox High School Class of ’76, and The Georgia Boyz, Stan and Ennis.

Online condolences may be made to www.alexanderfuneralhome.org.