Rhoda Ann (Marsh) Hall, 78, Potsdam

POTSDAM -- Mrs. Rhoda Ann (Marsh) Hall passed away peacefully at her daughters home in Kingsland, Georgia under the care of Heartland Hospice. She had lived in Georgia for the last three years.

Rhoda was born September 7, 1945 in Potsdam, New York to the late Bertha and Morgan Marsh Sr. Rhoda was raised on the Marsh Family Dairy Farm along with her three siblings.

Rhoda was a 1963 Honors graduate of St. Lawrence Central School in Brasher Falls, New York. She went on to attend Business School in Watertown, New York where she received her Secretarial Degree. Shortly after graduation she began her career at The Presbytery of Northern New York as an Executive Secretary, serving from 1967 to 2010. Rhoda worked for many wonderful pastors who served as Executive Presbyter during her 43 years at the office.

Rhoda met the love of her life, The Reverend John Cousins Hall, through the Presbytery office. After a long friendship and then courtship they married on May 3, 2003 with many beloved family and friends in attendance. They made a life together residing at The Marsh Family Farm. Rhoda was very proud to be the wife of a pastor supporting John as he served churches in Oneida, New York and the Adirondack Region. John sadly and suddenly passed away in 2009.

Religion was always a big part of Rhoda's life. She was a member of The Buckton Methodist Church and The Potsdam United Methodist Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir and was part of The Methodist Cantata singing group. Rhoda, along with friends from the Potsdam church, began The Sewing Sisters Club. The ladies made dresses and gathered other basic needs for children. They assembled care packages and sent them to Malawi, Africa and a mission group in Kentucky. The Watertown Daily Times highlighted this wonderful work in a 2017 article.

Rhoda wrote and published a cookbook called The Farmers Daughter. It featured a collection of recipes handed down through our family as well as recipes from friends. Sales of the cookbook helped to raise money for the stained glass windows at the Potsdam Church. Rhoda always had a great love for cooking, sewing and music. She was passionate about her dear family and friends.

Rhoda is survived by her daughter Julie (Marsh) Smith wife of Joseph Smith III, formerly of Potsdam. Rhoda had three beloved grandchildren Courtney James, Joseph Smith IV & Ryan Smith. She had three great grandsons - Kaden Smith , Gaius Smith and George Smith. Rhoda is survived by her dear Uncle Phil and Aunt Karen Davis. Her brother, Morgan Marsh Jr., still resides at The Marsh Family Farm. Morgan's wife, Lorraine Marsh passed in 2023. Rhoda's only sister, Shirley Parker, passed away in March of this year. Shirley's husband Earl Parker resides in Sanfordville, New York. Rhoda's brother Ed Marsh passed away in 2015. His widow Pat Marsh resides at The Marsh Homestead. Rhoda had several nieces and nephews that were dear to her. Steve Parker, Karen Parker, Cheryl Parker Latwas, Clark Parker, Sarah Parker Austin, Michelle Marsh Larivee, Eric Marsh, Greg Marsh and Stacy Marsh Neale. Rhoda had many dear friends who were our family... Glenda Lockwood, Jean Lanning, Jean Smart, Tim and Olga Virgil, Alex & Nicole, Claire & Juniper Butkovich, Jean Baycura & Susan Skufca.

The Marsh & Davis Families had wonderful gatherings at the farm and at Parishville beach where generations of our extended families would gather to share stories, laugh and enjoy wonderful food.

Rhoda sadly passed away from Alzheimer's Disease. Contributions in her name can be made to Hospice of St Lawrence Valley or The Potsdam Animal Shelter to honor her love of pets.

A memorial service for Rhoda will be held on August 10th, 2024, 11:00am at The Potsdam Methodist Church.