Marianne Louise Tombaugh Kershaw

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” -Ephesians 3:20-21

According to the mercy of our great God, Marianne Tombaugh Kershaw met her Savior on Saturday morning, May 13, 2023.

Marianne Louise Tombaugh was born in Topeka, Kansas, to Ethel and Robert Tombaugh on January 20, 1953. Her childhood days were spent growing up in Salina, Kansas, alongside her brother, Doug Tombaugh. She graduated from Salina High School Central in 1971. Marianne attended the University of Kansas, where she graduated with a fine arts degree in graphic design. With a beautiful combination of creativity and skill, Marianne was an accomplished graphic designer. She enjoyed many wonderful years of design with organizations such as D Magazine and the Hay Agency. Her accolades were many as she was recognized locally and nationally for her creative work.

And yet she would claim that her most significant achievement was becoming a mother. Marianne married Christopher George Clayton Kershaw, and together they welcomed a beautiful son on March 19, 1988. Clayton Edward Kershaw was his mother’s joy and delight. The Kershaw family planted their roots in Dallas, Texas, where Marianne and Clayton quickly became immersed in a loving community of friends. Clayton’s buddies quickly became like brothers, and Marianne was so proud to claim the entire pack of boys as her own.

From the time he was young, Clayton had a baseball in hand, ready to play a game in the sandlot. Marianne cultivated this great love in her son, moving mountains to get him to practices and games. She could always be found on the front row of every game, cheering him on (not so subtly), while keeping score by hand in a notebook to keep her nerves at bay. Marianne experienced no greater joy than watching her son grow into the man, the philanthropist, the father, and the ball player that he is today.

Marianne had a contagious laugh that could fill an entire room. She reveled in close friendships, particularly with her beloved Keno group and with friends at the dog park with her pups Mike, Nestle, Dodger, and Annie. She was a treasured part of so many lives.

Marianne was so proud of her role as a mother-in-law to Ellen and “Me-Ann” to four beautiful grandchildren—Cali Ann, Charley, Cooper, and Chance. Her legacy continues through Clayton, Ellen, and four vibrant reminders of the Lord’s goodness. Even through years of illness, she remained joyful and kind and gentle. By God’s grace, Marianne was steadfast in her commitment to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Our shared hope gives us full assurance that we will be together again. We give glory to God for her life and example to us.

A private service will be held in celebration of Marianne’s life. In lieu of flowers, our family would be blessed by any contribution made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Marianne’s honor (use link below).