Marcia Ann (Balaski) McGillvray

Marcia Ann (Balaski) McGillvray was born February 2, 1944 in International Falls, Minnesota. Marcia was a member of the St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Bald Knob and was also a member of St. Richard’s Altar Society. She was a lifetime member of Weight Watchers. She worked for Speed Queen (Maytag) for 33 years, mostly in a Supervisor position. She retired from Maytag when they closed the plant in December 2006. Marcia had a love for making and sharing cakes, especially Strawberry and Mississippi Mud. She had a great love for her family and always enjoyed family get togethers, not only on holidays but every chance they were able to gather; Saturday morning breakfast was one of her favorites. Next to church, these were the highlights of her week. Halloween was a very special time for Marcia because she loved sharing and spreading happiness with children and their families. Marcia and her late husband Billy Ray McGillvray started a tradition where family members and friends would gather at their home to set up on the carport to give out candy. There were always a line of chairs with 8 – 10 people passing out treats starting early in the evening until the last one came by no matter how late. A bonfire with chili, pizza, soup, hot dogs, chips and corn dogs and drinks were also present to feed the family. Marcia always made sure her table was filled with bowls and buckets of candy so there was no worry of running out. She loved to bake for the holidays and her candy trays she shared were always a welcome site. She also loved to make fresh freezer jams to share with family and friends. Her other favorite things were swinging in her swing, watching Jeopardy and the Price is Right and all things family. Marcia is survived by 3 sons, Robert McGillvray, Charles A. McGillvray (Delena) and Mathew McGillvray all of Bald Knob; granddaughter, Ashlyn McGillvray and grandson, William “Will” McArthur of Bald Knob; sisters, Virginia Joslyn of International Falls, Minnesota and Pamela Hill (Gene) of Iron, Minnesota. She also leaves behind a host of other family and friends, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Lena Balaski; her husband, Billy Ray McGillvray; grandson, Bryan McGillvray; daughter-in-law, Mary McGillvray; brothers, George Balaski, Phillip Balski and Hubert Balaski; sisters, Katherine Schwark, Elaine Konsti, Helene Madzia; in-laws, Charles H. and Agnes McGillvray. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home in Searcy. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the St. Richard’s Catholic Church in Bald Knob. Interment will follow in the Carter Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Homes. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

Marcia Ann (Balaski) McGillvray

February 2, 1944 - December 24, 2022