Marshall L. Fitch

Marshall L. Fitch, 95, of Ashland, passed peacefully, Sunday, February 5, 2023 at Ohio Health Mansfield, surrounded by his family.

Marshall was born January 13, 1928 in Espyville, PA to Norman and Mary Alice {Lindsey} Fitch.

He married Maxine Joan Groover on August 7, 1953. She died January 10, 2010. 

Marshall was a crane operator for Ohio Edison Electric company with 42 years service constructing towers and setting electric poles throughout the state of Ohio. Marshall was recognized for his work ethics, attendance, crane maneuvering and safety skills. In 1961 he relocated from Warren, Ohio to Mansfield, Ohio Edison substation continuing his career. He was a longtime member of Olivesburg United Methodist Church where he enjoyed the fellowship of preparing old fashion homemade ice cream for the church social. He enjoyed being part of the Men’s Church bowling league, attending social gatherings with church members, and serving as the church custodian. Marshall’s community involvement included being an active member of Kinsman and Olivesburg Grange for over 55 years, as well as Ohio State and National Grange, participating in county and state Grange ritualistic contests and serving as an officer. He was also a member of Ashland County Farm Bureau.

After retiring from Ohio Edison, Marshall enjoyed traveling throughout the state with friends and family. He also enjoyed cutting firewood for those he loved. He enjoyed coffee time with friends at Millers. Marshall would share with everyone his age, his Ohio Edison work experiences, including his $1.00 dollar hourly wage, as well as adding bits of humor that would always bring a smile.

Marshall will be deeply missed by his children Arden (Patricia) Fitch of Savannah, Debra (Gaylon) Klobe of Jersey Shore, PA, Randall Fitch of Mansfield, Darrell Fitch of Ashland, David (Nancy) Fitch of Ashland, Mardell Wharton of Shelby, Douglas (Beth) Fitch of Ashland, Dondi (Diane) Fitch of Cortland; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister Betty VanGorder; sister-in-law Alberta Fitch.

Marshall was preceded in death by his first wife Beatrice Laura (McAfee) Fitch (1951) and second wife Maxine Joan (Groover) Fitch (2010), 4 brothers and one sister.

Friends may call Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Roberts Funeral Home-Ashland Chapel, Ashland. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 at the funeral home with Pastor Devin Fitch and family officiating. Webcasting will start at 11 am on Marshall’s obituary page. Burial will be at Ashland County Memorial Park. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the Donor’s choice.