Marla Jean Schwiethale, 77, was born to Max and Zella Skiles, December 16, 1942, in Wichita, Kansas. She grew up in Wichita with her younger brother, Stan. She attended Wichita Public Schools and graduated from East High School in 1960. Upon graduation, she attended Wichita Business College and transitioned into the workforce working for the IRS, and McConnell Airforce Base. During this time, she was introduced to Art Schwiethale by a cousin at church. After dating two years, Marla married Art on May 18, 1963.
They welcomed their first child, Jeffery, in January of 1965. By 1975 three more children were added to the mix as Marla was a full-time stay at home mom to her four children, Jeff, Jon, Jana, and Julie. Art’s employment would move them from the farm to Salina, Kansas and eventually back to Wichita, Kansas. Throughout those years, she also taught piano. Later, Marla took up secretarial duties for the American Red Cross and Quality Manufacturer. After that, she decided to fully commit to teaching piano lessons full-time. Marla was known for her love of music. She loved to sing in church, and she dedicated 43 years to teaching many children and adults piano lessons. She was a committed wife and mother and lived her life faithful to God. She volunteered her Christian services along with her husband Art by chaperoning and supporting the youth of the Church of Christ in Salina and Westlink of Wichita. Her other past-times consisted of sewing, researching family genealogy, watching westerns (her favorite being movies starring John Wayne), and was a member of organizations such as the Wichita Area Piano Teacher’s League and the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Family meant everything to Marla. If you knew her, she had a wealth of information regarding her ancestors and genealogy. It was very important to her that her children adopted this value of family. She was always very intent on reminding them where they came from and the different fabrics that made up their lineage. She prided herself on sharing stories about ancestors from the Mayflower and helping her kids treasure the unique gifts their family provided. Even now, her grandchildren can appreciate the talents of their great-grandparents just by looking at the pictures that were painted and the many poems written. She always was so proud of the farm life and big family that she married into. She shared the dedication and faith both sets of parents had for the Lord. It was a faith that was firm but grew and refined over time. She was so proud of her kids. Even though this was quite embarrassing at times, and many times her kids accused her of stretching the truth, it was always evident that each one was her biggest accomplishment in life.
In 2014, she, along with her husband Art, moved to Abilene, Texas to be closer to grandkids. There she enjoyed attending D.A.R. meetings, Parkinson’s Support Group meetings, and watching her grandkids’ many school activities and sporting events. Most of all, she loved attending worship at the Hamby Church of Christ as it was a highlight to her week. Marla is survived by her husband of 57 years, Art Schwiethale, her children, Jeff Schwiethale (Sheryl), of Centennial, Colorado; Jon Schwiethale (Cheryl), of Abilene, Texas; Jana Free (Scott) of Maple City, Kansas; and Julie Evans of Franklin, Tennessee. She was a loving grandmother to Drew, Klarissa, J.D., Trevor, Carson, Alex (Deidra), Brynn, Analee, Chloe, Lily, Emma, and Hudson.
We are thankful that mom’s struggle with Parkinson’s is over as these words she now can claim: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 . Memorials may be sent to Carpenter’s Place 1501 North Meridian Wichita, KS 67203
Editor’s Note: Many thanks to Art Schwiethale for sharing Marla’s eulogy.
