Marshall, Katherleen Turner

Katherleen Turner Marshall, 86, of Blacksburg, Va., died peacefully in her home on Thursday, January 19, 2012. She was born on a tobacco farm in Gretna, Va., on June 18, 1925, to Nora Pearl Dellis Turner and Luther Gordon Turner. She was the oldest of three girls, and is survived by her sisters, Louise Turner Cundiff, of Lexington, Va., and Ruth Turner Oakes, of Gretna, Va.

Katherleen attended Gretna High School and Phillips Secretarial College in Lynchburg, Va. She was a secretary at Virginia Tech when she met her future husband, Harold “Plunkett” Marshall, on VJ Day, 1945. Plunkett studied and taught Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech.

Plunkett and Katherleen married in 1948 and made their home in Blacksburg for the next 53 years. Plunkett preceded his wife in death in 2001. In death, as in life, they will join each other on the 11th anniversary of Plunkett’s burial.

Katherleen is survived by three daughters and sons- in-law, Susan and Bob Thurman, of Roanoke, Va., Anna Marshall-Baker and Moe Baker, of Blacksburg, Va., and Sarah Marshall Elliott and Hunter Elliott, of Richmond, Va.; four grandchildren, Alden Baker, of Christiansburg, Va., and Haley Baker, of Asheville, N.C., and Connor and Julianna Hill, of Richmond, Va.; and five stepgrandchildren. Also surviving are nine step great- grandchildren and nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is also survived by her special friend and caregiver, Lindsey Ibrahim, of Shawsville, Va.

Katherleen relished her time with her family and friends. She was an active and long-time member of Christ Episcopal Church where she taught Sunday School, served on the Altar Guild and in Circle. She was a devoted wife and mother and dedicated her life to providing a beautiful and loving home. One of her great talents was sewing clothes for herself and her girls, from prom dresses to evening gowns to smocked Easter frocks.

She also loved sports and attended countless games including basketball, football and baseball games at Virginia Tech. She immensely enjoyed many years of fellowship and fun at the Blacksburg Sports Club, concerts, and her many bridge clubs. Katherleen was a woman of quiet grace and dignity.

The Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at Christ Episcopal Church in Blacksburg with the Rev. Scott West officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Christ Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 164, Blacksburg, VA 24060.