Marsha Houser

Best friend

- Julie Ellis

My deepest condolences to Mike, Justin, Charlie and the Loeber family. Marsha is my best friend of 58 years, more like family really, and I will carry you with me in my thoughts and in my heart forever. I met Marsha in 6th grade at Booth Elementary School 1967? We struggled together writing our semester reports in Mr Devon’s class, on a country of our choosing. In Junior High we walked to 2 miles to Devon drugs to buy Loves Baby Soft and Yardley cosmetics and there was a lot of hair curlers and hair styling of our long hair. Like all the neighborhood kids we spent time outdoors exploring Wabeek Farm , and marveled at the James Couzens Estate. We swam in Island Lake and explored the beautiful Kirk in the Hills grounds. Marsha played the flute and was in Band. We would drink coffee at Arby’s and have long conversations. Marsha was so easy to talk with, easy to get along with. Marsha’s mom and dad were kind of strict with her, no dating in High School. I recall she went to a Lutheran church. Marsha introduced me to Paula Gibbs , her father was Detroits mayor , Roman Gibbs 1970-1974, and we went to her house which had police surveillance, that was quite a thrill. To me Marsha loved life and easily made many friends. She was beautiful, intelligent, kind, caring and fun loving, and a very down to earth person. When I got my first apartment I had nothing really and here comes Marsha with a set of dishes. Early in her marriage to Mike he was stationed in Korea . Marsha redid her bathroom all by herself. she took the walls down to the studs. Very strong and courageous This was Marsha. I never heard an unkind word from her. She loved Mike her children so much. When they moved to Janesville I heard the stories of how smart the kids were. To Mike you are my hero, an angel on earth, I wish you peace and happiness in the years to come. I am so glad my last words here and to Marsha were “I love you” , and I do.

- Julie Ellis