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In Memory

Marsha Jean Dunlap (Root) - Class Of 1956 VIEW PROFILE

Marsha Jean Dunlap Obituary

Marsha Jean Dunlap                                         
1938 ~ 2015
Marsha Dunlap left this world to be with the Lord on the 21st of Oct 2015 in Boise, Idaho. She was an amazing woman whose legacy will be felt for generations. 
Marsha was born on the 15th of Feb 1938 in LaPorte, Indiana to Gerald and Margaret Cummings Root. From the very moment she was born, Jerry and Margaret were thrilled. This little one however started a journey that included being born with eyes that needed surgery as soon as she was old enough to have it, and a father who left for three years to serve his country during WW II. At the age of 11, Marsha also took on a very adult role as her mother was diagnosed with Polio and was hospitalized for nearly 9 months. She truly took care of the whole family, which included her 6 month old baby brother. 
Before Marsha graduated from John Adams High School, she went to work for Thompsett Studio – a photographer in South Bend, Indiana. While there, she met the love of her life, C Fred Dunlap. Following graduation in 1956, she and Fred were married on the 2nd of February 1957. Her greatest desire in life was to be a wife and mother. 
In 1960, their son Douglas was born in South Bend, and he was the center of Marsha's world. She desperately wanted other children, and wasn't able to have them, so they adopted a darling little girl named Karey who was only 3 months older than their son Doug. 
Although many never knew it, Fred and Marsha had more than their share of trials. Following a severe car accident, Marsha had multiple surgeries. Later, she was diagnosed with cancer, and Lupus. This woman was a gentle warrior. And yet, her faith and family made her painful journey worth every second. That journey included moving to Boise in 1968. 
Famous (quite literally!) for her amazing cooking, Marsha didn't just cook for her family. She took more Chocolate crinkle cookies, baked beans, complete meals, and more to all those she knew who needed her help. She was always the first to offer, and never failed to be of service. While the rest of us might have shied away from all this work, she cheerfully offered to care for others first – always with her sweet companion by her side to assist. Her example of love and generosity is a gift to her grandchildren and the children of her sibling's families as well. They ALL adored her. 
Marsha is survived by her loving husband of 58 years Fred, son Douglas and his children Katie and Alex, and daughter Karey and her children, Kristine, Michelle, and Donald. She is also survived by her Brothers Curtis and David Root, and Sister Ann Shelton – who feels like she has just lost her 2nd mother, as Marsha was a huge part of her life; and cousins Dan, Sara and Diane DeLeury who were like siblings. Marsha also has 3 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews who loved her with all their hearts, and can't imagine a family gathering without her. She was preceded in death by her parents Jerry and Margaret Root, and two brothers – Robert A Root and Joel D Root. 
Marsha's entire family would like to express their gratitude for the incredible care she received from her physician Dr. Michael Adcox, and the Life Care Center of Valley View. These people were amazing, and we truly want them to know how much we appreciated their loving service.
Services will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2015 at 1:00 pm at the Hillview United Methodist Church, 8525 Ustick Road in Boise, Idaho 83704. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that a donation be made to their church.

Published in Idaho Statesman on Oct. 28, 2015

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