Ellen Sue Marshall

Proverbs 31:25-30 (NIV)
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Obituary

Ellen Sue Marshall, beloved wife, mother, memaw, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born and raised in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Ellen was the daughter of Edith (Thiel) and Victor Dahms. She graduated from Oshkosh West High School in 1977. Shortly after high school, she met the love of her life, Ronald Lee Marshall, while he was in the Navy. The two married in 1980 and built a life of love and resilience, living in Illinois and Virginia before returning to Wisconsin to raise their children.

Ellen had a curious mind and a determined spirit. In the early 1990s, while raising her family and working, she earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from UW Oshkosh. This achievement reflected her intelligence, perseverance, and passion for learning.

A gifted florist with a creative soul, Ellen spent her life in floral design. Her work wasn’t just a career; it was a calling. In 2005, she fulfilled one of her dreams by opening her own shop up in Menasha, Accent Floral, where she poured her heart into every bouquet, corsage, and centerpiece. Her thoughtful artistry brightened weddings, comforted grieving families, and marked countless milestones for the people she served.

Ellen also had a gift for hospitality. She cooked endless meals for family gatherings, hosted holidays with grace and warmth, and never showed up without a dish to share. Her Christmas cookies were legendary, and her kitchen was often filled with the smell of something baking and the sound of laughter. She poured just as much love into her cooking as she did into her flowers, making everyone feel welcome, cared for, and at home.

In 2013, she and Ron moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to enjoy retirement in warmer weather and be closer to their daughter Jackie. Ellen quickly became a cherished part of her new community, playing cards with her girlfriends on Wednesdays, bowling on Tuesdays, and Monday night music jam, where she loved singing and playing her ukulele. The music jam group would perform at the local senior center and memory care facility. She also helped with church events and never missed a Sunday service or potluck at her beloved church, Abiding Faith Lutheran. She treasured nights listening to music at Billy Bob’s or Central Market, trips to Winstar Casino, and quiet afternoons spent lounging in her pool or tending her flower garden. She adored animals, loved the sunshine on her face, and most of all, cherished every moment spent with her family.  Though she made Texas her home, Ellen’s heart never left Wisconsin—especially on Sundays during football season. She loved her Packers and cheered them on with true Wisconsin pride.

Ellen was the kind of woman whose quiet strength, deep compassion, and joyful spirit touched everyone she met. She made people feel safe and seen just by being near her. With a warm light that shone even in the darkest moments, she lived her life with music in her soul, flowers in her hands, and love overflowing in every direction. Whether she was comforting a hurting friend, helping a neighbor, or sitting at the kitchen table talking with her family, she brought warmth and beauty into the world simply by being in it.

She was deeply faithful but never self-righteous. Her sense of humor never wavered, even in the face of illness, and her steady, kind presence was the kind that filled a room without asking for attention. She wasn’t loud or flashy, but you felt her. Her love was a soft place to land, and her life a quiet testimony to grace, laughter, resilience, and the kind of kindness that echoes long after someone’s gone. Her absence leaves a space no one else can quite fill and a lasting reminder of how beautiful a simple life can be when lived with intention and heart.

Ellen was a best friend, a sounding board, and a constant. She gave endlessly of herself, offering support, advice, and quiet wisdom. Whether you needed a recipe, a reality check, or a hug, she was always there.

Even in her final days, Ellen continued to comfort others with the same strength and serenity that defined her life. She often reminded her family, “God has a plan,” and, with a peaceful smile, would say, “It’s all good.” Her faith was unwavering, and she faced her final chapter with courage, gratitude, and complete trust in the promise of heaven. There was no doubt in her heart - only love, a deep belief in the resurrection of Jesus, and the sureness that she would see us again in heaven someday.

We honor her now, with full hearts, missing her fiercely but knowing she made this world a gentler, more joyful place.

Ellen is survived by her loving husband of 45 years, Ronald Lee Marshall; her children, Jacqueline Ann Marshall (Lance Carter) and Robert Victor Marshall (Catherine); her sister, Sherry Dahms; her sister-in-law, Diane Dahms; and her grandchildren, Gabriel Marshall, Katelyn Carter, and Connor Carter, each of whom brought her immense joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edith (Thiel) and Victor Dahms; her sister, Kathy Middleton; her brother-in-law, Frank Middleton; and her brother, Steve Dahms.

A Memorial Service will be held at Abiding Faith Lutheran Church, 3409 Charleston Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76123, on Saturday, July 12, at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow at the church.  The service will be available to watch live—or later—on the church’s Facebook or YouTube page:  www.youtube.com/@abidingfaithchurch5214/streams  OR  www.facebook.com/AFChurch

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Memory wall

July 12, 2025

A beautiful lady with a servants heart. I am so glad to have known her in this world, and cannot wait to see her smile again in heaven!

Kitty Hale

July 1, 2025

My cousin, my friend.
Sure going to miss our phone calls. Sometimes just chattering for over an hour. Always so much to talk and reminisce about. Our first born kids were a month apart. Always made us comrades. The years have faded away but my memories are so clear. I am going to miss you. I already do. God has a plan and someday we will be together again chattering in person, with our Savior by our side. Love, Jules

Jules

June 29, 2025

Ellen was one of my best friends! She blessed every single person she was around, a true gift from God. She let God‘s light shine through her and I am so blessed to have been a part of her life! I am looking forward to the day I see her again!

Victoria Ehlers

June 28, 2025

Every word written here is true. I will miss her in quiet times and in times of laughter. She was such a blessing to all who knew her.

Bernadette Jensen

June 28, 2025

Ellen will miss you forever all the fun fun fun we had whenever we were together you always were the mischievous maker both in Oshkosh and Fort Worth the three of us you Barb and I will always be together in spirit we I will see you later and we will play cards for eternity Rest easy my friend

Susan Jungwirth

June 28, 2025

Heartfelt hugs to Ron, Jackie, Lance and Kat (and the rest of the family). Ellen is such a sweet soul and although we did not spend lots of time with her, when talking to her, she always made me feel like I was the only person in the room. And, I don't even have to close my eyes to hear her laugh!
She will most definitely be missed!

Mike and Ramonda Walker

June 28, 2025

Ellen Marshall, I will miss your Enormous faith in God, your positive outlook and your Awesome Friendship! You are one of a kind and it has been my honor to have you as my precious Friend! I will miss You forever- until I see you in Heaven!!!

Lynn Meek

June 27, 2025

I miss Mama so much. She was my anchor, my sounding board, my second opinion. I didn’t realize just how many choices I made with her in mind, what I’d say when I told her, how she’d smile or laugh, how proud she’d be. Everything felt better when I could share it with her. I miss that so much. I miss her so much it physically hurts. It’s like something has been ripped out of me, and I don’t know how to walk through the world the same way now. She was the one I could call a hundred times a day and never run out of things to say. She made me feel seen. Safe. Loved in the most steady, unconditional way. Even when I doubted myself, I could borrow her belief in me. I ache to hear her tell me it’s all going to be okay even if it’s not.
I don’t think I ever told her enough just how much I loved her. How much I needed her. She was my person, not just my mom, but my very best friend. I know she is in a happy place right now, surrounded by all those she loved who went before her. And I know I will see her again in heaven someday. But until then, I will never be the same person I was before she went to heaven. She always said God has a plan... and I'm trying to trust that, even in the heartbreak.

Jackie Marshall

Service