Leila May Marshall

Leila was born and raised on the family farm in Lilly South Dakota. She went to elementary school in Lilly, about two miles from home. With no bus services, the children walked back and forth to, and from, school. In the winter, when it snowed, she was not able to get home and would stay in town with a woman she called Grandma. Leila attended Bradley High School in Bradley, South Dakota. There were eight kids in her graduating class and she served as class secretary.

Leila married Leslie Larson in 1950, and had six children: Denver Larson, Kevin Larson (Amy), Debra Daniels (Rich), Robin Fussell (Don), Susan Schreiner (John), Sherry Ochs (Jim). She was also blessed with 12 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Leila began work as a housekeeper at Colton Nursing Home, Colton, Oregon, in 1964. She retired from Altenheim Retirement Home, Portland, Oregon, in 1995. She continued to work, part time, at Lent’s Village until 2021.

Mom was a kind, giving, and loving woman. We admired her willingness to help anyone in need. Although sweet and soft spoken, she was also stubborn and strong-willed; and we loved her for that too. Anytime she saw a need she was right there to help. She was able to work at the building where she lived. She made coffee, and set the tables for Meals on Wheels; and distributed the menus to each resident in the building. She loved decorating her hall for holidays, especially Christmas. Leila worked until the age of 90, when she cashed her last paycheck.

Leila loved spending time with her family and friends, having coffee and visiting. She stayed busy, and was happy living at Lent's Village for 26 years.

The last two years were challenging for Leila, but she rarely complained. We are comforted knowing she put her faith and life in Christ, and was blanketed by his love during the last days and hours of her life. She was surrounded by family and friends when she went home to be with the Lord.

She is survived by her six children; grandchildren; great and great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Lee Nash; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lulu; and siblings, Marilou, Catherine, William, and Alva.

We want to thank Hospice for the care, comfort, and compassion they showed for our mom. They were there every day, helping to make her journey easier.