The Life and Legacy of Marsha McFeeters

Duet by Pastor Hall and Kaleb Hall

Welcome By Pastor

Today we gather with heavy hearts, but we also gather with thankful hearts.

We grieve because death separates us for a time. We give thanks because God allowed us the privilege of knowing a woman whose life reflected His love in so many beautiful ways.

This wonderful crowd of family, church family, and friends, beautiful flowers are here to honor the long and blessed life of our sister and friend, Marsha McFeeters.

The Scriptures tell us,

"The memory of the just is blessed." (Proverbs 10:7)

That certainly describes Marsha.

It’s my desire as pastor and our desire, as musicians that God will help us to help lighten the burden that you carry.

Obituary

Marsha Irene (Polenz) McFeeters, 71, of Warwick, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2026. She shared 40 years of marriage with her beloved husband, Frederick “Rick” McFeeters. Born in Niskayuna, New York, she was the daughter of the late Edith (Gordon) Polenz and the late Chester and Helen Polenz.

Marsha had a deep faith in her Christianity which guided her throughout her life and was reflected in the kindness, compassion, and love she showed to others.

Marsha dedicated more than 20 years of her career as a rehabilitation technician, working in nursing facilities throughout Rhode Island. She was known for her caring and compassionate nature and was someone who freely gave of herself to others. Always social and outgoing, Marsha had a special way of comforting, guiding, and supporting those around her. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother who treasured every moment spent with those she loved most.

Marsha enjoyed crafting, jewelry making, baking, shopping, and had a special fondness for the color pink. She loved to sing and was known for her wonderful sense of humor that brought joy to family and friends.

In addition to her husband Rick, she leaves her loving son, Tyler McFeeters and his wife, Julie; her cherished grandson, Taran McFeeters; her brother, James Polenz and his wife, Adrienne; and several loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Victoria Wells and Gordon Polenz, and by her nephew, Eddie Wells.

Marsha will be remembered for her kindness, her generous spirit, and the love she shared so freely with everyone, fortunate enough to know her.

Scripture

Psalm 23 KJV 1900

A Psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 KJV 1900

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Prayer, Pastor

Our Heavenly Father, We come before Thee today with humble hearts, acknowledging that Thou art the God of all comfort and the Giver of every good and perfect gift. We thank Thee for the privilege of gathering together to remember the life of Marsha, and we thank Thee for the many ways her life reflected Thy grace, love, and faithfulness.

Lord, we ask in a special way that Thou wouldst draw near to Rick, to Tyler and Julie, to Taran, to their extended family, and to every friend whose heart is heavy today. Thy Word tells us that Thou art "nigh unto them that are of a broken heart," and we pray that they would know Thy nearness in these moments. Give strength where there is weakness, peace where there is sorrow, and hope where there is grief.

Father, we also thank Thee that for those who know Jesus Christ as Savior, death is not the end. We thank Thee for the promise of Heaven, for the victory purchased through the death, burial, and resurrection of Thy Son, and for the blessed assurance that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We rejoice that Marsha's faith has become sight and that she is in Thy presence today.

As we remember her life, help us to remember the truths she loved most. May every song, every Scripture, every memory, and every word spoken today honor Thee. And if there is anyone here who does not know Christ as Savior, we pray that today would be the day they place their trust in Him and receive the same hope and assurance that sustained Marsha throughout her life.

We ask all these things in the precious and worthy name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

If you knew Marsha, you know Marsha loved music and singing.

After hearing the children of Friendship Baptist Church sing a special a few weeks ago, Rick said Marsha would’ve loved to hear that song.

Song - Children “All That I Need”

Song - Pastor “Heirlooms”

Family Memories

Macy Wells

Adrienne Polenz

Jim Polenz

Congregational Song - “It Is Well With My Soul”

Message - Pastor

Marsha Irene McFeeters was a woman whose life was marked by faith, compassion, Joy, diligence, and love.

She grew up in a loving home in New York, but at twenty years of age something happened that changed the entire direction of her life. Business owners where she worked shared with her the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through their faithful witness, Marsha came to understand that salvation is not earned by good works or religious effort, but is received by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ—trusting completely in His finished work on the cross, His burial, and His victorious resurrection for the forgiveness of sins. She placed her trust in the Lord Jesus as her Savior, and that decision shaped every chapter that followed.

The Bible says,

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Everyone who knew Marsha could see that new life.

Not long afterward, while serving the Lord as a Sunday school teacher at Capital Area Baptist Church, she met a young man named Rick.

Rick had his own testimony of God's grace. At fifteen years old, a faithful pastor drove, many times, forty-five minutes to visit him. Those visits were not wasted. In 1976, Rick trusted Christ as his Savior.

For eight years, they served the Lord as friends before they married. Rick smiles as he remembers Marsha teasing him over the years by saying,

"You sure took your time."

That became one of the many little expressions that made their marriage uniquely theirs.

Their faith in Christ brought them together as husband and wife.

For forty years, they built a life centered around their faith in Christ, their family, and serving others.

Marsha loved music and singing.

One of Rick's favorite memories was from their wedding day. Rick jokingly says that he couldn't sing, so his best man did the singing for him. But Marsha sang to Rick herself, making that moment one they would both treasure for the rest of their lives.

Then, during their honeymoon cruise, she sang "Amazing Grace" before nearly fifteen hundred people. When she finished, the audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation.

Those who knew her are not surprised. She loved music, she loved singing, and she used those gifts to encourage others.

But perhaps even more beautiful than her singing voice was the way she lived.

Rick shared a story from their years teaching Sunday School.

There was a young boy named Carl who constantly misbehaved in Rick's class. Eventually, Carl ended up in Marsha's class. Instead of seeing a problem, she saw a child who needed love. Carl attached himself to her. She patiently loved him, invested in him, and pointed him to Christ.

Carl eventually trusted the Lord and today is in Heaven.

Only eternity will reveal how many lives were quietly changed because Marsha chose compassion over frustration.

That was simply who she was.

She lived out the words of Jesus:

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35)

Her love was practical.

For more than twenty years, she cared for patients as a rehabilitation technician. She comforted hurting people every day.

She excelled in every responsibility God placed before her.

Rick said something that stayed with me.

He said, "Everything she did, she excelled at."

She worked seventeen years beside Rick in the hairdressing business.

She worked as a bank teller.

She operated a daycare.

She volunteered at a school.

She owned a cleaning business.

She was an accomplished seamstress who once created a beautiful wedding dress from imported lace for a family member.

Whatever task God gave her, she poured herself into it wholeheartedly.

Her life reminds us of Ecclesiastes 9:10:

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might."

Yet for all of those accomplishments, Rick said something even more important.

There were seasons when she could have continued pursuing career success.

She worked not because she had to, but because she wanted to contribute. Yet she eventually recognized that what she treasured most was right in her home - Her family - being available for her husband, her son, and providing a loving home for the family she so loved.

She understood something our culture often forgets—that success is not measured merely by careers, titles, or income.

Sometimes, the greatest ministry God gives is faithfully loving your family.

And Marsha did that well.

It’s no mystery that Marsha

She loved Tyler.

She loved Julie.

She adored her grandson, Taran.

She loved Rick.

She loved her church family.

She loved people.

She loved making beautiful things.

She loved baking. And boy! could she bake.

She loved crafting.

She loved jewelry making.

She loved the color pink. Not drab pink, but radiant bright pink. Marsha pink.

She loved to laugh.

She loved to make others laugh.

Most of all, she loved her Savior.

One of the things that stands out to me personally was Marsha's remarkable love for children. As their pastor, I watched how she interacted with young people, but I also experienced it through my own family. My children really enjoyed listening to her tell Bible stories. She had a gift for making Scripture come alive. She would weave in funny stories and everyday experiences that would capture their attention, then gently connect them to a Bible truth they would never forget.

She told those stories with such excitement, expression, and joy that the children leaned in to hear every word. Even today, some of my children still remember those stories and the lessons she taught through them. That is a testimony to the kind of teacher she was. She understood that teaching children wasn't simply about giving information—it was about reaching their hearts. Long after her voice has grown silent on this earth, the truths she planted in young hearts continue to bear fruit.

Those are the things that people will remember.

Not because they were dramatic.

Because they were faithful.

One of the things that touched me as I spoke with Rick was the way he described Marsha's faith. He didn't simply speak of her as a faithful wife—he spoke of her as a rock in his own spiritual life. He said she helped keep him right. What a remarkable testimony after forty years of marriage. In a world where marriage is often viewed only in terms of companionship, Rick reminded me of something much deeper. Marsha encouraged him to stay close to the Lord, to remain faithful, and to keep Christ at the center of their home. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, "Two are better than one... For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow." That was their marriage. They strengthened one another's faith. Every godly husband is grateful for a wife who lovingly encourages him toward Christ, and every godly wife is thankful for a husband who does the same. Rick counted that as one of God's greatest gifts in Marsha, and I believe it is one of the reasons their marriage reflected the love and faithfulness of the Lord for so many years.

The greatest testimonies often aren't lived on large stages.

They're lived quietly, consistently, one act of love at a time.

Today, we honor that life.

We thank God for lending her to us.

And while our hearts ache because she is absent from us, those who know Christ rejoice because she is present with the Lord.

As Paul wrote,

"To be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8)

That is Marsha's present reality.

Gospel Invitation

As beautiful as Marsha's life was, I believe she would want every person here to understand one very important truth.

If she could stand here today, she would not point our attention to herself.

She would point us to Jesus Christ.

Because Marsha knew something that everyone of us must face.

One day, every chair in this room will be occupied by someone else's family.

Every one of us will stand before God.

The Bible says,

"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Hebrews 9:27)

Death is certain.

The question is not if we will die.

The question is, are we prepared? 

Many people hope they are good enough.

Marsha herself could have pointed to many good works.

She cared for the sick.

She served in church.

She taught children.

She helped people that could not help themselves and that could not give her anything in return.

She loved her family.

But, she understood, none of those things could save her.

The Bible says,

"For by grace are ye saved through faith...not of works." (Ephesians 2:8–9)

She trusted entirely in what Jesus Christ accomplished when He died on the cross for our sins, was buried, and rose again.

Jesus said,

"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25)

That promise belongs to every person who places their faith in Him.

Perhaps today God has used this moment to remind someone here that life is fragile.

Maybe you've been thinking about spiritual things.

Maybe someone invited you today.

Maybe you've wondered whether Heaven is real.

Friend, don't leave with unanswered questions.

Christ died for you.

He loves you.

He paid your debt.

He invites you to come to Him today.

The same Savior who transformed Marsha's life at twenty years old is still saving people today.

During the last few years of her life on this earth, as Marsha faced some very serious health setbacks, she never seemed to lose her confidence in the Lord. More than once, when someone would ask how she was doing or express concern for her, she would simply give God the glory and say something like, "He's always gotten me through, He’s always taken care of me." That wasn't just positive thinking—it was the settled confidence of someone who had learned to trust the faithfulness of God through every season of life. And when the conversation turned to eternity, her assurance of Heaven was never rooted in all the good she had done. She had certainly done much good, but she knew that good works could never earn eternal life. Her confidence rested entirely in the promise of God. She had trusted Jesus Christ as her Savior many years ago, and she believed His words when He said, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life" (John 6:47).

Marsha knew she was going to Heaven, not because she was good enough, but because God is faithful to keep His promise to all who place their faith in His Son.

That is the same assurance God offers every person here today. The peace Marsha possessed in life, and the confidence she had in the face of death, are not reserved for a select few. They are offered freely to everyone who will come to Christ by faith.

Sometimes people ask, "Pastor, how can you be so certain there really is a Heaven?"

The answer is not because I have seen it with my own eyes.

I've never been to Heaven, just as there are many places on this earth I've never been. Yet I believe Heaven is real because Someone who has been there—and who cannot lie—told me about it. That Someone is the Lord Jesus Christ.

My confidence rests on the Word of God. Let me give you three reasons.

1. Because Jesus Christ said it is real.

Jesus never spoke of Heaven as a dream or a myth. He spoke of it as a real place.

In John 14:2-3, He said,

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also."

Notice those words: "If it were not so, I would have told you."

Jesus cannot lie. If He says Heaven is real, then Heaven is real.

2. Because Jesus Himself came from Heaven and returned there.

No one has ever spoken with greater authority about eternity than the One who came from eternity.

Jesus said in John 6:38,

"For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me."

After His resurrection, the disciples watched Him ascend back into Heaven.

Acts 1 tells us that while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. Then the angels declared,

"This same Jesus... shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." (Acts 1:11)

The One who came from Heaven returned to Heaven, and He promised He would come again.

3. Because people who know Christ have the promise of being there.

The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:8,

"We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."

That is why we have hope today.

Our confidence is not in wishful thinking.

It is not in religious tradition.

It is not because Marsha lived a good life.

Our confidence rests in the promises of God.

That is why Marsha could say, even during difficult health battles, "He's always gotten me through."

And that is why she faced eternity with peace. She knew the Lord who had carried her through life would also carry her safely home.

Friend, if your faith is in Jesus Christ alone, then the same promise belongs to you. Heaven is not merely a comforting idea. It is a prepared place for a prepared people, purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ and guaranteed by the unchanging promises of God.

If you've never trusted Christ as your Savior, you can do so today by turning from trusting yourself and placing your faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Four Simple Truths About Salvation

1. Know that God loves you. God's desire is not to condemn you but to save you.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." — John 3:16

2. Know that your sin separates you from God. Every one of us has sinned, and sin brings both spiritual death and eternal separation from God.

"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." — Romans 3:23 "For the wages of sin is death..." — Romans 6:23a

3. Know that Jesus Christ paid your debt. Jesus took upon Himself the punishment we deserved, dying on the cross and rising again so we could be forgiven.

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." — Romans 5:8 "Christ died for our sins... and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." — 1 Corinthians 15:3–4

4. Know that salvation is God's gift, received by faith. You cannot earn salvation—it is freely given to those who place their trust in Jesus Christ alone.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that, not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

not of works, lest any man should boast." — Ephesians 2:8–9 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." — Romans 10:13

It is a wonderful thing to know you’re saved, born again, and have a home in heaven. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ today.

Marsha's earthly work is finished.

Her faith has become sight.

Her race has been run.

Her Savior has welcomed her home.

And one day, because of Jesus Christ, those who know Him will see her again.

For those of us who know the Lord, today reminds us that our greatest investment is not what we accumulate but the lives we influence for Christ.

Until then, may we honor her memory by following the Savior she loved so deeply.

Before we close in prayer, I'd like to say just one final word to the family.

Rick, Tyler, Julie, Taran, and all who loved Marsha, thank you for giving us the privilege of honoring her life today. We cannot take away your sorrow, because grief is the price we pay for loving someone deeply. But we pray that the Lord will continue to carry you through the days ahead, just as Marsha so often testified, "He's always gotten me through." The same faithful God who sustained her throughout her life will sustain you now.

There will be difficult days ahead. There will be quiet moments when her absence will be deeply felt. There will be holidays, birthdays, songs, familiar places, and simple routines that will remind you of her. When those moments come, don't be afraid to grieve. Even our Savior stood at the tomb of Lazarus and wept. But don't grieve without hope.

Remember the woman she was. Remember the laughter she brought into your home. Remember the songs she sang, the children she loved, the lives she touched, the faith she lived, and above all, the Savior she trusted.

For those who know Christ, this is not goodbye forever. It is simply, "I'll see you again."

One day, the Lord Himself will fulfill His promise:

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

Until that glorious day, may the Lord bless you, strengthen you, comfort you, and give you His peace.

Our Heavenly Father,

As we prepare to leave this place, we thank Thee once again for the life of Marsha. Thank Thee for the years Thou gavest her, for the love she shared, for the lives she touched, and most of all, for the saving grace she found in Jesus Christ. We praise Thee that because of Thy promises, we do not sorrow as those who have no hope.

Father, I especially pray for Rick. In the days ahead, surround him with Thy presence. Be his strength when he feels weak, his peace when his heart is troubled, and his comfort when the silence of home reminds him of the one he loves. Help him to remember not only the wonderful memories of forty years together, but also the certainty that this separation is only for a little while.

We pray for Tyler and Julie, for Taran, for Jim and Adrienne, and Macy, and for every member of this family. Draw them close to Thee and close to one another. May they continue to speak of Marsha often, remembering her laughter, her faith, her love for your children, her servant's heart, and the joy she brought into so many lives. Let her testimony continue to point others to Christ.

Lord, if there is anyone here today who has been reminded of the brevity of life but has never placed their faith in Jesus Christ, continue to speak to their heart even after this service has ended. May they not rest until they know the same peace, the same forgiveness, and the same assurance of Heaven that Marsha possessed because she trusted in Thy Son.

Help each of us to number our days, to walk faithfully with Thee, to love our families well, and to invest our lives in things that will matter for eternity.

Now, as we leave this place, may "the God of all comfort" continue to uphold this family. May "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding," keep their hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ sustain each one until that glorious day when every believer will be gathered together in Thy presence, where there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying.

We ask these things with thankful hearts, in the precious name of our risen Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

Before you're dismissed, on behalf of Rick and the entire McFeeters family, I'd like to thank each of you for being here today. Your presence has been a great encouragement and comfort during this difficult time.

The family would like to invite everyone to stay for a reception immediately following the service. It will be a time of fellowship, refreshments, and an opportunity to share memories of Marsha with one another. I know it would mean a great deal to Rick and the family if you can stay, visit with them, and continue celebrating the life of a woman who meant so much to so many.

In just a moment, we'll first dismiss the family, allowing them to make their way to the reception area. Once the family has been dismissed, we invite the rest of you to follow and join them.

Thank you again for coming. May the Lord bless you, travel safely, and may His peace be with each of you.

May the Lord bless you all.

Amen.