Marsha Lynn Gemeny passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 4, 2009 with her husband at her side. Marsha was born on October 4, 1947 in Rapid City, SD. She attended Rapid City schools and Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD. She returned to Rapid City in 1969 and went to work for the Rapid City YMCA and ended her career there as the Aquatic Director. In 1975 Marsha evolved into a full time volunteer and, in 1986, a volunteer and mother with the arrival of her daughter, Morgan.Marsha’s life can best be divided into three areas — children, the arts and her community. Marsha was always passionate about children and their rights. At the YMCA she developed aquatic programs for kids from babies to teenagers. She led survival camping trips for kids to the Minnesota boundary waters and conducted many aquatic camps at Angostura Reservoir. Marsha was constantly interacting with underprivileged children and attempting to guide and assist them with their challenges. This love of children led to her involvement with CASA. For many years she served as a CASA caseworker. Social workers and circuit judges became familiar with her advocacy for children and her sincere desire to improve their lives. As a board member of the Central States Fair she paid special attention to the expansion of children’s activities at the fair. During her tenure on the Black Hills Heritage Festival board, she spearheaded the children’s activities at the festival.Marsha had a natural aptitude with colors, perspective and design. She was a hobbyist whose special interest was handmade papermaking. Marsha felt that the arts were a part of the total education package for a child. She spent many hours volunteering in schools and sharing the art of papermaking with children. Marsha was a recipient of the annual Chamber of Commerce Arts Award.However, the community was probably the greatest recipient of her volunteer efforts. Marsha served on the Board of Directors of the Central States Fair and became its President; she served on the Board of Directors of YFS; she helped initiate and organize the Black Hills Heritage Festival and served as its President. Marsha was very involved in education in a variety of roles and on all levels. She was active in Meadowbrook Elementary and Southwest Middle School PTA. She was also active in the South Dakota PTA and the national PTA. For several years she actively lobbied the state legislature to share the case for improved funding for public education. She served on a Rapid City School District task force to evaluate racial discrimination in the Rapid City schools. Marsha received an Award of Merit from the JC Penney Co. for her PTA activities.Lastly and most importantly, Marsha was a wife, mom and the ultimate entertainer. She didn’t need a reason to gather a group of family or friends together to share a lively conversation and enjoy the outcome of her culinary expertise. Marsha was always the lead cheerleader and supporter for her daughter Morgan. Her message was always that there is no mountain that you cannot climb.Marsha leaves her husband, Denny and daughter, Morgan. Also surviving are her stepmother, Raye Dean Rypkema and three brothers (Mike, Marty and Eddie Rypkema). She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister (Linda) and a son (Zack).