Marsha Kay Clow, 75 passed away peacefully on June 17th, 2025, at The Villa St. Vincent nursing home in Crookston, with loving family by her side. She was born on May 12, 1950, at St. Francis Hospital in Crookston, Minnesota, to parents Leo and Mary (Benson) Murray. Marsha proudly took on the role of big sister as siblings Linda, James, David, Helen, and Mary joined the family.
Marsha’s early years were filled with joy and adventure; camping with her family, attending powwows in Walker, Minnesota, playing card games, and countless nights sleeping in a tent in the backyard of her childhood home.
Marsha attended McKinley grade school in Crookston and graduated from Central High school in 1969.
After high school, Marsha married Duane Clow. Together, they welcomed two children; daughter Tracy and son Michael, who became the center of Marsha’s world.
Marsha had a generous heart and a quiet creativity that touched everything she did. She taught herself to crochet and over the years lovingly created everything from cozy blankets to warm socks. Her handmade gifts were often given to nieces and nephews at Christmas. One of her most recent crochet projects included tiny scarves made especially for cats, a perfect reflection of her warmth and humor.
A talented baker and candy maker, Marsha was especially known for her holiday treats. Few could match her skill in making anise, a Christmas-time favorite cherished by many.
Marsha enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved watching “The Little Rascals” and “Hogan’s Heroes,” listening to the local station KROX, doing word searches, writing poems, and going for car rides.
Above all, Marsha found her greatest joy in being a mom. Her children were her pride and joy, and she never missed a chance to speak of them with love and admiration during visits with friends and family.
Marsha is survived by her husband, Duane; son, Michael, and his fiancé, Kelsey Sherril; siblings Linda (James) Arvidson of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota; James (Marilyn) Murray of Devils Lake, North Dakota; David Murray of Crookston; Helen (Bill) Phalen of Crookston; and Mary (Kendall) Sheen of Elko, Nevada. As well as several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Marsha was preceded in death by her daughter, Tracy Clow; parents-in-law, Ivan and Mary Clow, and parents, Leo and Mary Murray.
A service to honor the life of Marsha will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home in Crookston. Visitation will begin at 10:00am, with service starting at 12:00pm. Burial will be at 2:00pm at Riverside memorial Gardens in Lancaster, Minnesota, next to her beloved daughter Tracy.
The family would like to thank The Villa St. Vincent staff and Ethos Hospice for their loving care for Marsha.
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