Marsha L. Franklin

Marsha Lynn Franklin, 77, of Spencer, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at IU Hospice House in Bloomington, Indiana. Marsha was born in Bloomington, Indiana on August 21, 1946 to James F. Nickless and Wilma A. (Summerlot) Nickless. Marsha graduated from Spencer High School in 1964. She and her high school sweetheart, Dwight Eugene Franklin, wed on December 6, 1964. Even as very young newlyweds, she and Dwight built a strong marriage and brought three children into their loving home.

In 1973, Marsha took a job in the Spencer Owen Public Library children’s department. While working at the library and raising a family, she began pursuing a degree at Indiana University in 1982, making it a priority to take at least one class per semester. She left the library in 1986 and began work in the IU English department. Her love of learning and dream of furthering her education resulted in her earning a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1993! Through the years, she held various positions at IU with her final position being an Academic Advisor in the Political Science department. Her passion for learning and love of people made her extremely popular with the students, and she was awarded membership in Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s most prestigious academic honor society. She retired from Indiana University in 2013 after 26 years.

Marsha’s love of people stemmed from her love of Jesus. She was a faithful member of Shiloh Wesley United Methodist Church in Spencer for many years, attending bible studies, and serving in many capacities. She volunteered at the Tivoli Theatre and the Mark of Discipleship Mission in Spencer. She was very active, spending countless hours at the Owen County Family YMCA where she made several close friends. She was also involved in plays and performances at the Owen County Civic Theatre. To say she enjoyed her family, her friends, and her life would be an understatement, evident in her ever-present beautiful smile.

Marsha is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers Barry Nickless and Jeff Nickless and many other extended family.

Marsha is survived by her children, Julie A. (Dan) Schaffer of Mantorville, MN, Matthew A. (Elizabeth) Franklin of Bedford, IN, Sarah A. (Rick) Mast of Plainfield, IN; nine grandchildren: Megan (Franklin) Roberts, Jocelyn (Schaffer) Meitzen, Evan Schaffer, Katie (Franklin) Hansen, Gabrielle Mast, Zachary Franklin, Isaac Mast, Nolan Mast, and Wesley Mast; five great-grandchildren: Lilyan Miller, Remington Edwards, Sadie Meitzen, Jaxon Franklin and Margot Meitzen; and one great-great-grandchild, Adelaide Miller. She is also survived by her siblings, Mike (Toni) Nickless, Brad (Cindy) Nickless, many nieces, nephews and extended family members and friends.

Visitation will be 3:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Tuesday, July 23, 2024 and 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at the West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home, 105 North Montgomery Street, Spencer.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, at the funeral home. Dr. Diane Wells will officiate. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marsha''s Honor to Shiloh Wesley United Methodist Church.

Online condolences may be made to the family at westparrishpedigo.com