Marshela Pauline Adolfson, of Meade, KS, passed away peacefully, with her brothers at her side, early Monday morning, August 17, 2026, in Wichita, Kansas.

She is preceded in death b;y her husband, Wayne Adolfson; and both parents, Willard and Helen. She is survived by; her brothers, Martin and Mark.

Marshela was born in Modesto, California, the first of three children, to Helen and Willard Piper. The small family soon moved to Santa Clara, California, where her two brothers were born. She was educated in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she met her husband, Wayne. Together, they moved to Colorado Springs, and eventually on to Meade, Kansas.

In Meade, Marshela's tenured career as a librarian at the Meade Kansas Library made her beloved in the community. She enjoyed working with the library youth group, helping with library book sales, and leading the summer reading program. After retiring, Marshela served as president of the Meade Library Foundation Board and remained active with Friends of the Meade Public Library, volunteering.

Marshela was married to her true love, Wayne Adolfson, for 45 years. Their marriage was filled with love, laughter, adventure, servanthood, and profound faith. They were inseparable, with a deep knowing of each other's needs, and they chose one another every day. Though Marshela and Wayne could not have children of their own, they became second parents to three children — Whitney, Stephanie, and Erin, who lived next door to them in Colorado Springs. Now adults, the three girls don't know life without Wayne and Marshela, who cared for them and showed up lovingly at every sporting event, school milestone, and life events along the way. Wayne and Marshela went on to have seven grandchildren and delighted in being busy, loving grandparents.

And though not nearly as close geographically, Marshela cherished her niece Julia and nephew Luke, for whom she was also godmother. Everyone always looked forward to those visits and treasured them.

Marshela was passionate about life! She had a zeal for reading and music, loved people and animals deeply, and enjoyed adventuring. Over her lifetime, Marshela cared for five cats and four golden retrievers. She always had a beloved furry friend by her side. Most recently, Jaxon Colt, was an incredible companion as she traveled to visit relatives in multiple states, making friends wherever they went. From her teenage years on, music held a special place in Marshela's life. She could often be found singing and dancing to the songs she loved. She delighted in life's simple adventures, from park slides and roller coasters to ice cream treats. Her joyful spirit brought light and blessing to others.

Good-bye was never a word that Marshela spoke. Instead of good-bye, she asked that you part with her saying "see ya." Marshela loved the Lord, and everyone knew it. She was never afraid to talk about her faith and encouraged others to know the Lord by how she lived her life. For when you know the Lord, death is not really good-bye, but see ya.

A celebration of Marshela's life is to be planned for the near future.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Marshela's name to the Meade Public Library, 104 E West Plains St, Meade, KS 67864.