Rebecca Denise Marsh

With heavy hearts, we mourn the sudden passing of Rebecca Denise Marsh, 63, of Sarasota, Florida, who went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 3, 2025. Born in Kansas City, Missouri to Raymond and Bobby Stewart, Rebecca was raised in the West Los Angeles area, not far from UCLA. After graduating from high school, she attended UCLA and earned a B.A. in Psychology in 1984. While at UCLA, Rebecca was an enthusiastic member of the Bruins Sports Fan Club, proudly cheering on her team with handmade signs at many games. Rebecca later moved with her parents to Virginia and continued her education at George Mason University, where she received her M.A. in Industrial Psychology in 1987. Professionally, Rebecca worked in various human resources roles for organizations in Maryland and Virginia before moving to Sarasota. In December of 1987, Rebecca met her future husband, David, at a holiday party. It was love at first sight. The couple married on September 17, 1988, after a brief courtship and moved to Sarasota 30 years ago. David fondly describes Rebecca as his best friend and greatest blessing. Together, they welcomed their beloved daughter, Amanda Nicole — a joyous addition to their lives. In Sarasota, Rebecca applied her professional skills in both her home and her community. She volunteered regularly — in the front office at Amanda’s school, at Covenant Life Presbyterian Church, and later with her cherished Community Bible Study (CBS) group. During her more than 20 years with CBS, Rebecca served in several leadership capacities and developed deep, enduring friendships while faithfully serving the Lord. She and David were also longtime members of a church small group Bible study, where they built lasting bonds with fellow members over two decades. Rebecca was a devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend. She was also a fitness enthusiast, often walking six miles a day, and was a regular attendee of her neighborhood yoga and Pilates classes. Just as in her faith communities, Rebecca nurtured meaningful friendships through these shared routines. In recent years, she and David found great joy in traveling the world together on cruises, savoring new cultures and creating beautiful memories. Rebecca also shared close, treasured relationships with her sister Vicki and daughter Amanda — leaving both with many cherished memories. Everyone who met Rebecca knew her as kind, gracious, and deeply loving. She lived her Christian faith unapologetically, touching countless lives with her warmth, humility, and steadfast spirit. Hers was a life filled with love, service, creativity, and purpose. Rebecca is survived by her devoted husband, David Marsh; daughter, Amanda Marsh; sister, Vicki Wells (Glenn); brother, Vincent Stewart (Rene); sister-in-law, Sharon Brown (William Martin III); nieces, McCall Wells (Jack) and Ashley Stewart; nephews, Michael Stewart, Tyler Stewart, and William Martin Brown IV (Kourtnee); and a host of cherished family and friends. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Raymond and Bobby Stewart. Rebecca's legacy will live on in her acts of service, her unwavering faith, and the many lives she touched. She will be missed dearly and remembered always. The Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 18th, from 3:00–4:00 PM at: Grace Community Church 4080 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 There will be ample parking available on site. Travel Information We recommend flying into one of the following airports: • Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) – ~25 minutes to the church • Tampa International Airport (TPA) – ~1 hour to the church Please ensure you have the necessary documentation to travel (e.g., Real ID or passport as required). Nearby Hotel Options Here are a few convenient accommodations close to Grace Community Church: Hyatt Place Sarasota / Lakewood Ranch 6021 Exchange Way Bradenton, FL 34202 Home2 Suites by Hilton Lakewood Ranch 6015 Exchange Way Bradenton, FL 34202 Marriott Courtyard Sarasota at University Town Center 8305 Tourist Center Drive Sarasota, Florida, 34201 If you're unable to attend the Memorial Service in person, please join us via livestream: https://vimeo.com/event/5119596 In honor of Rebecca’s generous spirit and love for youth ministry, education, and the arts, we ask that in lieu of flowers or plants, you consider making a donation to one of the following organizations: • Youth for Christ • Library Foundation for Sarasota County Rebecca was a devoted follower of Christ and an enthusiastic volunteer in school and church programs. We believe she would be touched by your support of causes close to her heart. Please let us know if you make a donation so we can thank you. If you have any questions, please contact David Marsh at marshdtm@gmail.com

Tributes

Rebecca Denise Marsh

May 3, 2025