Marsha E. Howland, 77, of Willard, Missouri, formerly of Warsaw, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Springfield, MO. She was born on September 26, 1948, in Atchison, Kansas, to Kenneth and Peggy Shumaker.

Marsha’s lifelong love of plants and flowers was more than a hobby—it was a gift she shared generously with her community. As the owner of The Flower Pot on Main St. in Warsaw, she created arrangements that marked countless birthdays, weddings, holidays, and quiet moments of comfort. Many locals fondly recall how she could look at a single stem or a handful of greenery and instantly envision the perfect bouquet. Her shop became a place not just for flowers, but for connection—where her laughter, warmth, and welcoming spirit made every visitor feel at home.

Marsha also had a remarkable talent for decorating. Whether she was arranging a bouquet, selecting colors, or simply placing a cherished item in just the right spot, she had an innate ability to make any space feel like home. Friends and family often said that stepping into a room she touched felt comforting, warm, and unmistakably Marsha.

In addition to her work at The Flower Pot, Marsha built a dedicated career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Warsaw. She was respected for her knowledge, her strong work ethic, and the kindness she extended to colleagues and friends alike.

Of all her accomplishments, Marsha’s proudest role was that of mother and grandmother. She found her greatest joy in watching her granddaughters, Brooke and Paige Ramsey, grow into beautiful, capable young women. Their achievements, their laughter, and simply their presence were constant sources of pride and happiness in her life.

Marsha is survived by her daughters, Heather Ramsey and Holly Perry, both of Springfield, MO, along with their husbands, Eric Ramsey and Mike Perry, whom Marsha loved as sons. She is also survived by her sister, Mary Martin of Warsaw, and Mary’s husband, Gary Martin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 30 years, Dennis Howland, with whom she shared a deep and loving partnership.

Marsha’s legacy lives on in her family, the gardens she nurtured, the homes she warmed with her eye for beauty, and the many lives she brightened with her creativity, generosity, and gentle spirit. She will be remembered for her wisdom, her compassion, and the beauty she brought into the world—both through her flowers and through the life she lived.