Marla Kay Cushman

MARLA KAY CUSHMAN, 71, of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 11:45 am, Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at Mercy Hospital South, St. Louis, Missouri.

She was born to the late Arnold and Pauline (nee Bollmann) Ehlers on September 3, 1952 in Chester, Illinois.

Marla married James Cushman on July 30, 1977 at Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in Chester, Illinois; he survives.

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.

Survivors:

Husband:

James Cushman Chester, IL

1 Daughter:

Carissa (Eric) Hess Edwardsville, IL

2 Grandchildren:

Paige and Henry Hess

2 Brothers:

Darrel Ehlers Campbell Hill, IL

Randy (Rachelle) Lakeman St. Charles, MO

4 Siblings-in-law:

Marsha Ehlers

Marge Cashman

Bonnie (Charlie) Bargman

Terry Cushman

Special Friends:

Mary Rosendohl Percy, IL

Peggy McGinnis Oracle, AZ

Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Friends and Former Coworkers

Preceded in Death by: Parents, Pauline’s 2nd Husband – Edgar Lakeman, 1 Brother – Jerry Ehlers, 1 Sister – Shelley Ehlers, Siblings-in-law – Carol Ehlers, Bill Cushman, Louis Cushman and Louise & John Zimmer and 1 Nephew – Tyson Ehlers

Memorial Mass:

11:00 am, Monday, May 6, 2024

Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Chester, Illinois

Officiating:

Father Sebastian Ukoh

Visitation:

Sunday – 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Monday – 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, Chester, Illinois

Memorials:

Memorial Hospital, Chester, Illinois

Family Choice