Marsha Dean Crites, 80, of Dawson, IL, formerly of Carbondale, passed away at 1:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 11, 2024 at her residence.
Marsha had been an elementary school teacher for the Springfield Public Schools.  During her time as a teacher, she had worked at Enos, Fairview, Feitshans, and Ridgely Elementary Schools.  She was a member of Community of Christ Church.  Marsha was also a member of Red Hatter Club.
She was born July 16, 1944 in Du Quoin, IL, the daughter of John William and Almira Dean (Boner) Hartsock.
She married Gary Crites on February 14, 1976 in Springfield, IL and he preceded her in death on June 20, 2019.
She is survived by one sister - Donna Jean Potter and husband Bill of St. Louis, MO, one niece - Kirsten Potter Wilkerson and husband Pete of Edwardsville, IL, one great niece  - Meghan Wilkerson of Carbondale, IL, and one great nephew - Jack Wilkerson of Edwardsville, IL.  The family would like to thank her caregivers - Rhonda Dyer, Sonnie Finney, and Emma Gilbert.
Funeral service will be at 2:30 P.M., Friday, December 20, 2024 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.
Friends may call from 1:30 P.M. until the time of service on Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Old Du Quoin Cemetery in Du Quoin, IL.
Friends may make memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.