Marcella Mae Holbrook, 89, was called home by her best friend, Jesus Christ, on Friday, March 20, 2026, following a brief illness. She was an active member in Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Over the years, she taught Sunday School, served in WELCA, and cooked and baked for most church functions. She looked forward to worshipping with her church family every week. Her bright smile and friendly disposition will be missed by all who knew her.

Visitation was held Thursday, March 26, at Ward Funeral home from 2 to 8 p.m., with the family present from 5 to 7 p.m.

A funeral service was held at 10 a.m., Friday, March 27, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Washington.  Jill Duis officiated.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in Marcella’s name and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, PO Box 157, Washington, KS 66968.

A life-long resident of Washington County, Marcella was born to Roy and Martha (Cohrsen) Allerheiligen on February 2, 1937. She grew up on the family farm northeast of Washington. She attended Charleston country school before going to town school in Hanover. When she started school in Hanover, Marcella was very proud that she could spell her last name correctly when her teacher could not. During the school week, Marcella stayed with her grandparents in Hanover and traveled home to the family farm on weekends. Her horse, Banner, was her delightful companion. They spent many joyful hours exploring pastures, riding in parades, and carrying the American flag at local rodeos. Marcella graduated from Hanover in 1954.

Marcella met her future husband, David Holbrook, when she worked at the Dari-Bar and he worked at the locker plant next door. When David picked up Marcella for their first date, he noticed a snake on the front yard fence. He tried to impress her by grabbing the snake’s tail and giving it a quick snap. The forceful jerk caused the snake’s head to fly off, hitting Marcella in the chest. She went right back in the house. David was able to talk Marcella into continuing the date and they were married on April 14, 1955. They had three children and 45 years together before David died on April 15, 2000.

Together, Marcella and David farmed on the Holbrook family land north of Washington which was designated a Century Farm in 2005. Marcella kept the books, worked in the fields, ran the house, and prepared home-cooked meals for everyone working on the farm on any given day. Many nieces, nephews, and friends helped on the farm over the years. One nephew, Calvin Roop, Jr., enjoyed farming so well that he moved in with the family and became a bonus son.

In addition to working on the farm and raising her children, Marcella was a caregiver at heart. She took care of her mother, mother-in-law, aunts, and uncles in their twilight years. She was a good friend to many, always willing to help however she could. Her servant’s heart and love for cross-stitching led her to help form Hearts and Things. Over the years, she devoted countless hours to the organization and looked forward to each Friday’s gathering of crafters.

Marcella had a deep commitment to agriculture and the rural way of life. She served as the 1983 Kansas CowBelles President. She was involved with Kansas Farm Bureau, FFA, Saddle Club, and 4-H. Because of her volunteer work with these organizations, she traveled the country promoting beef and production agriculture. After stepping aside from these roles, Marcella maintained her ties in the livestock world by working in the office at the Washington sale barn. In 2019, Marcella was recognized by the Kansas Livestock Association for 50 years of membership.

Marcella enjoyed traveling with friends. For many years, David and Marcella attended the National Finals Rodeo with Lee and Darlene Gauby and then with Marcella’s grandkids. Later, Marcella often took bus trips with her friends. If her travels took her near a Dairy Queen, she had to stop for a Blizzard.

After David died, Marcella married Norman Stewart on January 1, 2003. She enjoyed her second family and became grandma to some of Norman’s grandchildren, much to her delight.

Marcella was preceded in death by her husband David, her brother Melvin Allerheiligen, her parents, and many sisters and brothers in-law, nephews, and a niece.

Marcella is survived by her daughter Lori (Dennis) Mussemann, Wamego; daughter Kathy (Mark) Franzen, Overland Park; son Bill (Cyretta) Holbrook, Holt, MO; and bonus son Junior Roop, Washington, and his son JJ (Anna) Schuster and children, and Junior’s daughter Sara Roop. Marcella’s grandchildren are Tim (Melissa) Franzen, Mike (Lindsey) Franzen, Kristin Franzen, Kolton (Melissa) Holbrook, Karson (Cassidy) Holbrook, Kaidyn (Kyle) Perkins, and Kooper (Kate) Holbrook. Her great grandchildren are Alexa and Lydia Franzen, Brooklyn and Gryffin Franzen, Nova Holbrook, Finley Perkins, and Elizabeth Holbrook. In addition to her immediate family, she is survived by her husband Norman Stewart and his family, and her sister in-law Lola Allerheiligen. She also has many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.