Marsha Schultz

Marsha Schultz, a radiant soul with the heart of the ocean, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2025, at the age of 74. She left behind countless memories.

Marsha was born January 27, 1951 in Des Moines to Dale and Kathleen (Vaughn) Kester. She was well known for her fantastic cooking at the Park Ave Pub. People of all ages would go to the Pub to enjoy her great meals. She was definitely missed after her retirement.

A true free spirit, Marsha lived life with passion, laughter, and unwavering love for her family and friends. One of her favorite places was Flagler Beach, Florida, where the waves met her soul, and the sunrises mirrored her vibrant spirit. She also loved her time at Lazy Days Campground on Lake Rathbun where she and her lake friends built the best campfires and spent countless hours fishing.

Marsha was a force of nature — bold, generous, funny, and fiercely loving. She lived life on her own terms, guided by sunshine, music, and an untamable spirit. Born to wander and never one to be confined, Marsha found joy in the wild, open spaces. Marsha brought light and color to everyone who knew her.

Marsha is survived by her partner of over 40 years, Craig “Cherry”; and his children, Craig (Nunya) Irvine and Stephanie (Hosea) Haralson; grandchildren, Kenna, Yannieta, Adisa, Enyo, Brayden, Carissa, Brooklyn and Isaiah; her faithful companion, Lulu; sister, Susan Moore of Flagler Beach Florida; brother, Fred Kester & sister-in-law, Teresa of Kansas City; nieces, Tammie Gray and John Gray of Flagler Beach, Florida and Sarah Kester of Aiken, South Carolina; nephew, Matt Kester of Kansas City; great-nephews, Charlie, Mason, & Lochlan Gray of Flagler Beach, Florida; great-nieces, Haylee, Payton, & Addyson of Kansas City; her in-laws, Scyler Cherry, Marcia (Bernie) Heilicser, Julie Cherry, Sheila (Steve) Van Wyk, Lisa Oja, and Aaron (Jen) Cherry; nephews and nieces, Brian (Amanda) Cherry, Kristen (Mike Murillo) Cherry, Micah (Melissa) Heilicser, Seth (Cheryl) Heilicser, Jacob (Amy) Heilicser, Allison (Brent Olson) Cherry, Andrea (Andy) Carico, Lyndsey (Stephen Hull) Van Wyk, Jordan Van Wyk, Cameron (Jamie) Van Wyk, Tina Oja, Josh (Jordan) Oja, Samantha (Tim) Hill and Luke (Morgan Langer) Oja; 19 great nephews and nieces; and one great-great nephew; and a host of dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Alpha & Kirk Vaughn and Nellie & Fred Kester; parents, Kathleen & Dale Kester; in-laws, Edward and Coralie Cherry, Kent Cherry, Joan Cherry and Gary Oja.

The family will greet friends Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. To honor Marsha at the celebration of life, please feel free to dress casually and wear tie-dye, bright colors, and sunglasses.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Animal Lifeline of Iowa in loving memory of Marsha.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonFuneralHome.com.

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