Rev. Marsha Nan Purtell

April 14, 1951 - November 16, 2020

Marsha Nan (Regan) Purtell, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, longtime Oklahoma servant leader and United Methodist minister, passed away peacefully on November 16, 2020 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Marsha was born on April 14, 1951 to Marcella Welois (Furry) Regan and Frank Clinton Regan (USMC) at the US Naval Hospital in Bethesda, MD. She was a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Marsha graduated from McAlester, OK High School in 1969 and attended college at Southeastern Oklahoma State University where she received her bachelors of Education, the University of Oklahoma where she received her Master of Social Work, and Master of Divinity from Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was an ordained elder in full connection of the Oklahoma Conference of the United Methodist Church, a social worker in child welfare for the state of Oklahoma, and an elementary teacher. Marsha married the love of her life, Vaughn Clinton Purtell in 1980 and they enjoyed 40 wonderful years together. Marsha's life was one of service to the Lord. She unconditionally loved all people she came to know. Her laugh filled the room and was so unique people could recognize her presence no matter where she was. Her embrace was always warm, intentional and lasting. She changed countless lives and ensured that her legacy of love was passed on to those she impacted. Prior to becoming an ordained minister, Marsha served many roles as a preacher's wife, leading youth groups, involved with the Stephen Ministry, United Methodist Women's groups, and led a number of civic organizations. She was also active in the Five Civilized Tribes of Oklahoma, where she supported Indian child welfare and other tribal services. Marsha loved to travel. She and her husband served on a number of mission trips ranging from countries in Central America to Israel. She would often take her family on an annual trip to locations across the globe so that they could see the history of the world and appreciate other cultures. She enjoyed spending every free minute with her three grandchildren who were the joy of her life. She was a life-long student, studying with her son when possible and learning as much as she could. She is deeply loved by all, and she will be dearly missed. Marsha is survived by her husband, Vaughn Clinton Purtell; her son, Clinton Tyler Purtell and his wife, Amber Leigh Grider Purtell; her grandchildren, Brooklyn Paige Purtell, Jacquelyn Nicole Purtell, and Clinton (Chip) Harrison Purtell; her brothers, Charles Regan and Bob Regan; and nephews Jason Regan, John Regan, Cody Regan and Casey Regan. She is also survived by Vaughn Clinton’s sons, Keith Purtell, Jeff Purtell and daughter, Claire Purtell. She is preceded in death by her parents, Frank Clinton Regan, mother Marcella Welois Regan, and brother John Patrick Regan. The family would like to thank all members of the United Methodist Church, the caring nurses and doctors at St Anthony's hospital, the staff of Epworth Villa, and her countless friends who have reached out in honor and remembrance. Mask are going to be required for the visitation and celebration of life service for Marsha, as well as social distancing will be strongly encouraged. The family has asked that if you are showing symptoms or not feeling well, please stay home and attend virtually. The visitation will be livestreamed through Marsha’s Tribute Page on the Crawford Funeral Service Website at www.crawfordfuneralservice. The funeral service will be streamed through Facebook Live on the Quail Springs United Methodist Church Facebook page, as well as the Crawford Funeral Service Website Come-and-go visitation for Marsha will be held on Monday, November 23, 2020 from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Crawford Family Funeral Service, 610 NW 178th St. Edmond, OK 73012. The family will be receiving friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at a reception. A service celebrating the life of Rev. Marsha will be held on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 10 a.m. at the Quail Springs United Methodist Church, 14617 N Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73134. There will be a graveside service following the celebration of life service at the National Cemetery at Ft. Sill in Elgin, OK at 2:00pm CST.