Marsha L. Vollman

Marsha L. (Bucklin) Vollman, age 71, went to her eternal home in heaven on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Unity Point Health- Marshalltown Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 11:00 A.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation one-hour prior to the service, also at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Great Commission Church of Marshalltown, Iowa. For more information or to send a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Marsha was born on August 15, 1953, in Newton, Iowa. She was the daughter of Norman Bucklin and Joyce (Sutton) Cross. Marsha attended Baxter High School and graduated with the class of 1971. After graduation, she worked as a CNA at Baxter Manor. She then followed her dream of becoming a hair stylist and attended the Marshalltown School of Cosmetology. Following completion of cosmetology school, Marsha became employed at Bonnie’s Boutique & Salon in Marshalltown where she spent her career. Prior to retirement, she worked as a call center representative for Access Direct.

However, Marsha’s true work on earth was sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ and she was a faithful example of Matthew 9:37: Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest.”

Faith was the foundation of Marsha’s life. She was formerly a member of the Open Bible Church and was a devoted, active member of the Great Commission Church where she served joyfully. Her heart was especially drawn to children and music. Over the years, she led worship singing, Sunday school, nursery, and Vacation Bible School. She was affectionately known as “Aunt Marsha” to many.

She was truly a people’s person and had a gift of keeping in close contact with friends and family throughout her life. She was selfless and often put other people’s needs ahead of her own. Marsha loved praying for others, singing worship hymns, visiting nursing homes, and sending encouraging messages or surprise gifts – just because. Those that knew Marsha knew that she especially loved making and receiving phone calls and text messages. Family was extremely important to Marsha. She always looked forward to family events. She was especially proud of her nieces’ and nephews’ accomplishments. Even after entering a nursing home herself, she continued to minister to those around her, never straying from her life’s mission of sharing God’s love and goodness.

In her free time, she most enjoyed reading the Bible, praying, singing, and connecting with friends and family. She also found joy in gardening, traveling, and entertaining guests. Marsha was always fond of shopping, and later in life, became especially fond of online shopping. She was well known for her spontaneous and thoughtful gift-giving – never needing a holiday or special occasion to brighten someone’s day.

On December 9, 2017, Marsha married the love of her life, Dennis Vollman. Together, they dreamed of traveling to share the Gospel. Though health issues kept them closer to home, their mission continued locally as they led others to Christ. Marsha often said that her years with Dennis were the happiest of her life.

Marsha was cherished by a wide network of friends, family, and neighbors who surrounded her and supported her as her health declined. She is survived by her siblings: Norma Brant of Newton, IA; Eldon (Cathy Beck-Cross) of Grimes, IA; Robert (Deanna) Cross of Northfield, MN; Alan (Marilyn Yeager) of Urbandale, IA; and Bennie Cross of Lisbon, OH. She is also survived by her eight nieces and nephews: Jami (Grant) Jacobson, David Brant Jr., Jeff Brant, Amanda Brant, Alec Beck-Cross, Ian (Jesse) Beck-Cross, Kyle (Tisha) Cross, and Tracy (Jennifer) Cross; many great nieces and great nephews, whom she lovingly spoiled like grandchildren; and numerous cousins. Through the union of her marriage with Dennis, she also gained numerous stepchildren and grandchildren. She will be missed by her beloved cats, Tula and Topper who were often found curled up on her lap.

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Joyce; stepdad, Robert Cross Sr.; husband, Dennis Vollman; grandmother, Leona Sutton; brother, Mike Bucklin; sister, Mary Bucklin; and various extended family members which include aunts, uncles, cousins, a nephew, and a great nephew. She is also preceded by her longtime friend, Bonnie Grabenbauer, along with many other brothers and sisters in Christ.