BOMBER MEMORIAL

MARSHA LYNN POLK ~ Class of 1967
September 17, 1949 - March 20, 2022



Marsha was born September 17, 1949 and entered Heaven’s Gate to join her immediate family on March 20, 2022. She always called herself a true “Tri-Cities Baby.” Her parents lived in Richland, Dr. deBit (who delivered her) was from Kennewick and she was born in what was then Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Pasco.

Marsha attended Sacajawea Elementary School (on Williams Blvd.), Carmichael Junior High and graduated with the Class of 1967 from Richland's Columbia High School. In 1966 she was selected as one of six “Outstanding Juniors” by the Masonic Lodge in Richland. Following graduation in 1967, Marsha attended Columbia Basin College in Pasco, where she served on the Student Council, she was President of Baptist Student Union (BSU), she was President of Phi Theta Kappa (National Junior College Honor Society) and was a graduation speaker in 1969. She was also selected by CBC staff to receive recognition in “Who’s Who in American Junior Colleges and Universities.” In the summer of 1969, Marsha served as a BSU Summer Missionary in Oakland, CA. In the Fall, she moved on to Central Washington State College (now University), graduating in 1971 with a B.A. in K-12 Music Education, a Lifetime Teaching Certificate and later completed her 5th year in Education.

Following graduation, Marsha taught K-12 Music in Clallam Bay, WA on the Olympic Peninsula (1971-1974) and then at Finley School District (1974-1976). She then decided teaching was not what she wanted to do with music and moved on to work for Westinghouse Hanford Company. Starting as a Clerk, she was promoted up through the ranks to being a Staff Assistant for senior management, a Technical Writer/Editor and Security Analyst. In 1980, Marsha was one of seven women who competed for the Management nomination to represent Westinghouse Hanford for the Business and Professional Women’s Club Young Career Woman Award. She wasn’t the one selected, however, she was later included in the 1984 edition of Outstanding Young Women of America. Marsha concluded her Hanford career working for Bechtel in Document Control.

Through the years, Marsha was active with several arts groups in the Tri-Cities. She was a founding member and sang with Consort Columbia (now Mid-Columbia Mastersingers). She also served on the Board of Richland Players as well as acting, producing and directing for various productions. In addition, she served on the Board of Richland Light Opera Company (now MCMT) as well as performing in shows and serving as Music Director or accompanist for other shows. Marsha received Lifetime Achievement Awards from both groups for her volunteer services. She also performed in several of the CBC Summer Showcase productions, as well as serving as Music Director or accompanist for other shows.

Marsha served two area churches as Music Director. Having grown up at Richland Baptist Church, she moved into the role of volunteer Music Director there for several years. Marsha eventually moved to Westside Church in Richland to join the staff there in a full-time position as Music Director.

Marsha is survived by her niece and her husband, Elizabeth McMurtrey (Eric), and great-niece, Madelynn; her niece, Shari Frazier (Gus Sako), and great-nieces: Carly, Michila and Mylin; nephews, Rick Clark and Timmy Jacobs ^Jr; niece and her husband, Jeanie (Kent) Bevers, and by their children, Arrin and McKayla; along with numerous cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents, Betty (Hammack) and Richard A. Polk ^Sr; her sister, Myrna Polk Frazier ('64); and her brother, Richard A. "Rick" Polk ^Jr ('70).

Viewing will be from 1-5pm on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at Einan's At Sunset Funeral Home in Richland. Celebration of Life will be from 1-2pm on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at Richland Baptist Church in Richland. Interment will be from 2-3pm on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, a Sunset Gardens.

The Richland Players Theater will honor Marsha by dimming the marquee lights at 8pm on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.

Marsha was involved with the Richland Players at least since 1990. Her acting credits include:

Steel Magnolias (Truvy Jones) 1990

The Octette Bridge Club (Lil) 1991

Marvin's Room (Dr. Charlotte) 1994

Lost in Yonkers (Gert) 1995

To Kill a Mockingbird (Maudie Atkinson) 2003

The Musical Comedy Murders of 1940 (Marjorie Baverstock) 2004

The Trip to Bountiful(Carrie Watts) 2012

She directed A Shayna Maidel (1995) and God's Favorite (2005) and produced Our Country's Good (1993). It is possible that she acted/directed/produced in other plays but some of the records are missing. Additionally she was involved as a volunteer in many other "behind the scene" ways, which helped the Richland Players immensely.

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Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).