A funeral will be held Monday, May 6, 2024 for 71-year-old Marla Kay Cushman of Chester, Illinois, who passed away at 11:45 a.m, Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, Missouri.
She was born Sept. 3, 1952 in Chester, Ill., daughter of Arnold and Pauline (nee Bollmann) Ehlers who both preceded her in death.
She married James Cushman July 30, 1977 at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester, Illinois; he survives.
She is also survived by a daughter: Carissa (Eric) Hess of Edwardsville, Ill., two grandchildren: Paige and Henry Hess, two brothers: Darrel Ehlers of Campbell Hill, Ill. and Randy (Rachelle) Lakeman St. Charles, Mo., four siblings-in-law: Marsha Ehlers, Marge Cashman, Bonnie (Charlie) Bargman and Terry Cushman; special friends: Mary Rosendohl of Percy, Ill. Peggy McGinnis of Oracle, Ariz.;
many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former coworkers.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; Pauline’s second Husband: Edgar Lakeman; a brother: Jerry Ehlers, a sister: Shelley Ehlers, five siblings-in-law: Carol Ehlers, Bill Cushman, Louis Cushman and Louise & John Zimmer and a nephew: Tyson Ehlers.
Marla grew up in Welge, and graduated from Chester High School in 1970 and St. Luke’s Nursing School in 1973.
She worked for nearly 40 years at Memorial Hospital in Chester, before retiring in 2015.
She was the first recipient of the Newmark Award, given to a hospital employee who contributed most to the quality of patient care.
She also worked briefly as a nurse at Chester Grade School and Menard Correctional Center.
She was a member of Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester where she was a member of the TEC Board and was involved in church activities.
Marla loved to scrapbook, make cards, and do any type of arts and crafts, especially with her daughter and grandchildren.
She also loved to cook and bake.
Her cheeseballs were very popular around town during Christmas and she made and decorated many cakes for her nieces and nephews.
She was also an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Marla was a big fan of Chester High School athletics, especially football.
She also loved to travel and go out to eat with old friends and retired nurses.
Nothing brought more joy to her life than spending time with her grandchildren.
Visitation: 3-7 p.m. Sunday, May 5, 2024 at the Pechacek Funeral Home in Chester, Ill.
and 10-11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2024 at the Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester, Ill.
A memorial mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 6, 2024 at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester, Ill. Officiating: Father Sebastian Ukoh
Memorials may be made to Memorial Hospital, Chester, Illinois or to Family Choice.