Marsha Jo White

Born in LaGrange, Missouri, Marsha Jo Arnold-White passed away after a short but fierce battle with illness on 3/5/25. She is preceded in death by father Roy McDowell, mother Jesse Adabel McDowell (Job) and siblings Myrna Hoteling, Charlotte Miner and Steve McDowell. She graduated with an English and French degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City. Her first career pursuit was teaching English to Japanese students in Okinawa as a civilian employee of the United States military. Afterwards, Marsha taught English and French in Moulton, Iowa, before attending law school at the University of Iowa, where she earned her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree cum laude. She practiced contract law for the Department of the Army for nine years before shifting to private practice as a defense attorney, from which she retired in recent years.

Marsha filled her life with travel, movies, live theater, music, nature hikes and many active pursuits. Always fit, she logged 7,500 steps - just shy of her daily goal of 10,000 steps - on her last day prior to the cardiac event that unexpectedly took her much too soon. She particularly enjoyed spending time with family. She is survived by her bald-ass but dearly-beloved husband “Papa Nick” White. They married on February 3, 1990 at McButt’s Bar in Davenport, Iowa. Remaining family members are her daughter Leslie Kozel (Nick), brother Brad McDowell (Debbie), grand-daughters Lauren and Chloe who always called her Nana, stepdaughter Kellie Anderson (Matt), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a profusion of neighborhood pets and animals who knew that she generously gave nice little treats as long as they were furry and cute.

Marsha always made an unabashed impact wherever she went, often engaging in conversation with complete strangers. Friendly, outspoken and extroverted, she is most remembered for bringing laughter, light and joy to any room. Whether it was her impromptu performances of rap songs for a group of newfound friends, or enthusiastically seeking chocolate in any of its wondrous forms, she embodied her expansive personality in every moment. Regarding her impact on the world, she was a strong advocate for civil rights and equality in her professional and personal life. She inspired her daughter and granddaughters to adopt these passions. Like her, they are also small but ferocious.

There will be memorial events in the Quad Cities on 5/10/25 and in the Twin Cities on 5/17/25. Details to follow on family members’ Facebooks.

Throughout her life, Marsha donated frequently to support nature and wildlife preservation. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make donations in her name to The Nature Conservancy at https://preserve.nature.org/page/80429/donate/1.