On Monday, April 1, 2024, at the age of 72, Marsha Kay Lafferty, a beloved citizen of Ft. Scott, Kansas, departed this life after a life full with experiences and love. Russell Merriman and Beatrice Willis Merriman welcomed Marsha into the world on January 29, 1952, in Ft. Scott. Marsha’s life served as an example of the resilience and kindness of the human spirit. A proud Ft. Scott High School alum, she faced life’s challenges head-on with grace and resiliency, bravely stepping onto the paths of love, grief, and rebirth.
Over her life, Marsha was involved in two major unions. Her first marriage, which took place in Iola, Kansas on September 12, 1969, to Kenneth M. “Buddy” Gould, brought her years of companionship and the happiness of motherhood. Despite ending in divorce, this chapter laid the groundwork for happiness down the road. In a lovely ceremony performed in Mound City, Kansas, on November 12, 1999, Marsha’s heart met its counterpart in Paul Lafferty. This new chapter would end far too soon, however, when Paul passed away on February 22, 2004.
Prior to contributing her skills to Dayco Inc., Marsha worked diligently as a bookkeeper and secretary for Central States Waterproofing. She brought the same attention to detail and dedication to perfection that defined her professional life to her personal life, particularly in creating priceless memories with her loved ones.
Many of Marsha’s most treasured memories were created in the great outdoors, especially those she shared with her cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Those closest to her will always cherish these times of laughter, curiosity, and shared discoveries.
Marsha leaves a loving and tenacious legacy behind. Her children, Brandy Leslie (Brent) of Fort Scott and Kelly Gould of Stockton, Kansas, are gone; her four grandchildren, Alyssa Leslie, Cameron Bishop, Beanna Leslie (Chris Johnson), and Danyelle Daly (Bryce) all of Fort Scott; and her five great-grandchildren, Bryelle, Colson, Jaycee, Hendrix, and Keeghan, are all still living. Her friendship with her soul partner, Dale Savage, with whom she shared her Fort Scott home; her brother, Kenny Merriman (Liz) of the same town; her half-siblings, Christy Rusk, Russell Merriman, Nina Merriman, and Liz “Susie” Campbell; and a host of nieces and nephews all contributed to her life’s enrichment.
Leaving a vacuum in the hearts of those who loved them, Marsha was predeceased by her parents, a sister, Carol Durbin, and three brothers, Everett Merriman, Larry Merriman, and her twin, Steve Merriman, in addition to her husband, Paul.
Marsha’s life will be celebrated and remembered in the Cheney Witt Chapel on Friday, April 5, at 11:30 a.m., with a funeral officiated by Rev. Chuck Russell. Marsha will be buried in the U.S. National Cemetery after the service, where she will be buried with those who came before her. The family is inviting people to the Cheney Witt Chapel to join them in remembering Marsha from 10:30 A.M. until the start of the funeral.
With Marsha’s loss, a life has come to an end, but it’s also an opportunity to consider the strength and beauty of the human spirit that she personified. Her legacy will endure in the hearts of all she touched, serving as a constant reminder of a life well lived.