Marcia Kay McGraw Herr

Sunrise, January 20, 1951 Indianola, Iowa
Sunset, March 30,2022 Gilbert, Arizona
Born to Verlyn Earl McGraw and Mary Elizabeth (Bette) Young McGraw

Marcia loved growing up in Indianola, where she and her brother Steve (Jan) grew up with so many lifelong friends. She attended Indianola Public Schools K-12, and spoke often about the many wonderful teachers. She attended several universities and eventually “came home” and earned her B. A. in Elementary Education from Simpson College, in Indianola.

In 1974 she married David Herr. After a honeymoon in Colorado, they started their life together “on the road” in their VW, as Dave was in a band performing throughout the Midwest.

In the Fall of ’75, they moved to Bellevue, IA where they accepted teaching positions. After two years in Bellevue, the “came home” to Indianola for 9 years. During this time, Marcia taught in the Melcher Dallas school system. It was in Indianola where their two children, Tyler (Meg) and Abbey Brennan (Paul) were born.

In ’87 on a hope and a prayer, the family moved to Gilbert, Arizona just around the corner from Marcia’s former classmate and longtime friend Diane Ackley Pettit. Marcia loved teaching and her students throughout her 21 years teaching 3rd and 4th graders in Gilbert. Over the many years she heard from numerous students and parents that credited their success in part to lessons learned from Mrs. Herr. Marcia retired from teaching in 2007, and helped with grandkids, did scrapbooking, made greeting cards and traveled. The four grandkids, Mckaley, Michael, Emma and Annie were very special to Marcia. They brought a smile to her face as they rode bikes, scooters, played games, did puzzles, read books and played bear cave.

During their 47 year marriage, family always came first, followed closely by Cherry Pepsi, candy canes and chocolate. Together, Marcia and Dave traveled the world, and were “livin’ the dream.” Marcia’s love of sport was passed on to Tyler and Abbey. Marcia attended countless games, meets, matches and close to 100 of Tyler’s college basketball games. Traveling form southern AZ to Alaska, and California to Ohio, enjoying everything about the experience. When she couldn’t attend a game, the radio announcer would be sure to say, “he’s okay Mom,” after a hard foul. She was also excited that Abbey had so many opportunities to play softball, volleyball and basketball in jr high and high school, as Marcia’s opportunities were limited, pre Title IX. As grandkids came along, she cheered and suffered (I mean supported) them through many games, matches, meets, concerts, plays, recitals and programs. Marcia loved it all.

Marcia’s life was cut short by complications from dementia, probably Alzheimer’s. She passed peacefully in the company of loved ones.

There will be a celebration of life to honor Marcia on May 14th at the Gilbert Memorial Park and Cemetery, located at 2100 E Queen Creek Rd in Gilbert. The Celebration will begin at 11 AM, followed by lunch.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be made to the Banner Alzheimer’s Foundation, 2901 N. Central Ave. Suite 160, Phoenix, AZ 85012