Vicki J. Marsh

Vicki J. Near Kaechele Marsh, 76, of Middleville, was welcomed into her heavenly home on December 23, 2021, while visiting her grandchildren in Tulsa, OK. She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Helen Near; husband, Carl Kaechele; and brother, Kenneth Near. She is lovingly survived by her children (grandchildren): Betsy Marsh Strader (Robbie, Drew & Sam), Jeff and Kelly Marsh (Cameron, Clayton & Hudson), Dr. Robb and Amy Marsh (Jaedon, Ava, & Ainsley), Scott Marsh (Emerson & Sullivan); sisters, Mary and Rex Weaver and Betty Near; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews; and special friend, Joan Tabor. Vicki’s family was her crowning glory, and she was always on the go. It didn’t matter where her children and grandchildren lived, she was always eager to see them whether that meant driving back and forth to Hamilton or Indianapolis, or flying to Tulsa, or Seattle. Vicki was a strong woman of faith, and her relationship with Jesus was always her rock. God was the reason Vicki became a teacher and she spent a lifetime praising Him, and blessing others through music. Vicki graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education in 1967. She taught elementary music for the Caledonia School System for five years. She served as the pianist for Peace Reformed Church (now Peace Church), when services were held in the Caledonia High School in 1965. Vicki loved choirs and was the choir director at Peace until her husband, Carl Kaechele, passed away suddenly in 1972. Vicki remarried and moved to Indianapolis where she continued her ministry by serving as the music director for the Southminster Presbyterian church. She returned to Michigan in 1996, worked at Thornapple Kellogg High School, and also served as the music director for the Middleville Methodist Church. Vicki was the director of the hand bell choir, traveling throughout the West Michigan area touching the hearts of many, especially those in local nursing homes. She served in this capacity until the time of her passing. Vicki followed in her mother’s footsteps and loved making quilts and mittens for others. Even as she was declining in health, God’s spirit was shown through her continued devotion to touching the lives of others. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Peace Church, 6950 Cherry Valley Ave, Middleville, MI 49333. Live streaming of the service can be viewed at www.peacechurch.cc/live A private burial will be at Lakeside Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family during a visitation from 4-7 PM on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Peace Church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations in Vicki’s honor be sent to the American Diabetes Association or the American Autism Association.