IN MEMORIAM

EXPANDED EULOGIES

“In Memoriam” listings are expanded paid obituaries, phrased as the family requests, and may include enhanced information or photographs that might not fit within free death notices.

Susan Marshall

Funeral services for Susan Virginia (Fred) Marshall, 78, Peabody, who passed away Aug. 10, 2025, at Peabody Health and Rehab, will be 3 p.m. Aug. 15 at Peabody United Methodist Church.

A celebration of life will follow at Coneburg Inn, where friends and family will honor Susan’s legacy with good food, music, and camaraderie she so loved.

Susan was born Nov. 16, 1946, in St. Louis, the oldest of three children of Carolyn Virginia (Spencer) and Bernhart Gabriel Fred.

A few months after her birth, they moved to Barrington, Illinois, where her brother and sister joined the family.

She spent her early childhood in Cedar Falls, Iowa, and in 1959, at age 13, moved with her family to DeKalb, Illinois.

Susan attended schools in DeKalb, graduating in 1965 from DeKalb High School, where she was active in numerous clubs, often serving as president.

She attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, graduating in 1967, and later pursued an English degree at Pittsburg State University.

She once said she planned to write “the next great American novel” but instead embarked on her next great adventure — marrying fellow student Robert Marshall.

After Robert’s graduation and the birth of their first daughter, Morgan, the couple moved to Peabody, where he began teaching music and band at Peabody High School. In 1975, their second daughter, Lindsey, was born.

She was editor of the Peabody Gazette Bulletin for several years.

Though not a native of Peabody, Susan embraced the community as her own.

She was a cornerstone of the Peabody Historical Society, serving for many years and playing a pivotal role in restoring the museum.

She was a fountain of knowledge — or knew exactly where to find it — and contributed countless artifacts from her own discoveries.

Known for her humor, she often joked, “You don’t want me to cook,” but she gladly measured ingredients or helped in other ways, ensuring every project benefited from her presence.

Susan and Robert were instrumental in founding Peabody Main Street Association, working tirelessly to encourage business growth and retention.

Through annual fundraising auctions, they made philanthropy a community event, earning multiple state awards for economic development, fundraising excellence, and volunteer recruitment.

Philanthropy was woven into Susan’s life. She supported many local organizations — often anonymously. When she won the grand prize in Peabody’s annual holiday shopping spree (more than once), she donated her winnings to causes she believed in.

She was the ultimate hometown shopper, devoted to supporting local businesses and investing in her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert Fred; and her husband, Robert Marshall.

Survivors include daughters Morgan Marler (and husband Shane) and Lindsey Marshall (and partner Matthew Frazier); granddaughter Logann Frazier; sister Karen Mohr (and husband Ed) of Colorado; nephews Patrick and Christopher Mohr; and a community forever shaped by her generosity and determination.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to one of Susan’s favorite charities: Peabody Main Street Association, PO Box 101, Peabody KS 66866, or Peabody Historical Society, PO Box 60, Peabody KS 66866.

We are grateful for the sincere care and consideration of Jost Funeral Home in Hillsboro as they assist our family during this difficult time.

Susan did the right thing when no one was watching. She gave back in quiet, humble ways, and while the world we walk today will forever be better because of her, it will never be the same without the powerhouse female on Walnut St. in Peabody.