Marland Birchard, 74, of Marshalltown, Iowa passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, February 17, 2019.

Public graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 22, 2019 at Rose Hill Memorial Gardens with Marty Mitchell officiating.  Public visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Mitchell Family Funeral Home prior to the graveside services.  Memorial contributions may be directed in Marland’s name to her family.  For further information or to send a condolence please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call (641) 844-1234.  Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Marland and her family. 

Marland Birchard was born on December 11, 1944 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Winfield “Pete” and Alberta (Buffington) Birchard.  She was raised and educated in the Marshalltown school district, where she graduated from Marshalltown High School with the class of 1962. 

Following high school, Marland attended and graduated from Gerald’s Beauty School in Marshalltown. At age 19 she moved to Washington State where she lived for over 50 years. At 40 years old she went back to obtain her tourism degree that she became so passionate about. During her tourism time she had visited all 50 states, U.S. Virgin Islands, and 8 other countries.  Marland had a love for birds (especially blue birds), hunting, fishing, camping, spending time with her family and especially “Peachy” her West Highland Terrier.

 Marland is survived by one sister: Barbara (Larry) McGrew; two nieces: Jennifer McGrew and Kary Moore; one nephew: Kevin McGrew; two great nephews: Carter and Jake Moore and her four legged furry companion.

She is preceded in death by her parents:  Winfield “Pete” and Alberta Birchard; one sister: Judy; several aunts and uncles; as well as all of her four legged furry companions.

Marland had been friends with Sharon Rose Knox, Ginger Mahnke Eich and Mary Kay Mason Middlecoop since they were in Junior High.  They spent many days with Marland while she was at the South Manor Car Facility.  They were especially into putting jigsaw puzzles together.  The group had decided to save the last puzzle they were working on by gluing it together.  Unfortunately, when they finished it, they found that it had a piece missing.  They had started another one but hadn't finished it by the time of Marland's passing. 

The group was there to celebrate Marland's being named the "Valentine Queen".(See the above picture)  She thoroughly enjoyed that title.  She will be greatly missed by this special group of friends.