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Marshall's generosity lauded
POCATELLO - The last time Jim Marshall spoke in the Barbara J. Marshall Rotunda at Idaho State University's Stephens Performing Arts Center was at the dedication of the rotunda his mother made possible with a generous donation.
''Last time, mom was here, her hair was perfect and she had a big smile,'' Jim Marshall said. ''Well, we're here again.'' This time, however, Barbara's friends and family members were there to remember the legacy and memory of the local philanthropist and community leader who died Tuesday in her home at the age of 84. Along with the rotunda at the performing arts center, Barbara was the namesake of the Marshall Public Library in Pocatello. She was known to the community for her generosity and frequent donations she made to the university and various charities. That spirit of giving was something her family said she always instilled in them through example.
''When people asked Barbara to do something or for help, she always said, 'Yes,''' said Michael McBride, one of her sons-in-law. ''Her message to us was that communities need concerned citizens. She told us they need giving, generous people, which is exactly what she was.'' Barbara was remembered by her granddaughter, Tina Swanson, as someone who ''above all, wanted everyone to be happy.''
Barbara's children recalled their ''Leave it to Beaver'' lifestyle growing up. They had breakfast together in the morning and always sat down for dinner together in the evening. Dinner, they said, always included a potato. Her son, Jim, said Barbara never complained. No matter the circumstance, she always answered inquiries with the same response.
''Everything was 'fine,''' Jim said. ''There were no complaints, no troubles, she was just 'fine.' She was the type of person you enjoyed being with.'' Barbara enjoyed traveling, entertaining guests and playing tennis, bridge and golf. She was the first woman president of the Juniper Hills Country Club, among many other roles she served in as a community leader.
Her family described her as elegant, graceful, patient, generous, happy and unconditionally loving. Former ISU President, Barney Coulter, who golfed with Barbara countless times, said her golf game gave insight into her character.
''Her golf swing matched her sweet disposition,'' Coulter said. ''I always envied her swing. It was even, never to fast or too slow, and it was always consistent and smooth. It was a sweet, sweet, swing that matched the way she lived her life.'' By Adam Chambers
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