Marcia Kay Caine, age 86, of Plymouth, Indiana, passed away after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Tuesday, July 5, 2023, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Plymouth.

Marcia was born in Messick, Indiana, to Marjorie (Beeson) and Clayton Conway. Marcia was known for her decisive mind and loyal commitment, as shown by the fact she knew she would become a nurse from the age of four. After graduating from New Castle High School, she attended Ball State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1958. She served for 34 years in the critical care unit at Plymouth Parkview Hospital, later St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, where she provided comfort for countless people during their most difficult moments.

She met the love of her life, Wally Caine, when they were both teenagers at 4-H camp, and they married on January 11, 1959, in Moreland, Indiana. Marcia and Wally settled in Plymouth in 1963, where they raised three children, numerous sheep, and several beloved cats. Marcia was also very fond of local wildlife, sitting out on her back patio with various bird identification books to teach her children and grandchildren their different markings and calls; she religiously placed out salt blocks and heated water bowls for deer in wintertime. More recently, Marcia became passionate about American bald eagles, doing much research on their migratory and nesting habits. She took many interested eagle watchers on tours along the Mississinewa River basin near Peru, Indiana, where she would assist them in spotting their first eagle and delight in watching their excitement.

Marcia served on many volunteer boards throughout her life, most notably the Marshall County Fair Board, and was 4-H sheep superintendent for several years. She wanted 4-H’ers to have the best possible experience along with the fun that comes with working hard to achieve ambitious goals. She loved culinary adventures and wasn’t afraid to try even the fanciest of recipes, especially when her grandchildren were there to help with the prep work. Marcia was always more than willing to host her family and friends and was famous for her family dinner parties as well as her New Year’s Eve bashes where she’d revel with her closest friends: the Lindseys, Bacons, and Woolfingtons.

Most important to Marcia was her family. She loved nothing more than traveling with her children and grandchildren to various beachfronts, including her favorite destination, Tybee Island, Georgia. She took great pleasure in learning the history of any place where she traveled and generously shared her love for stories from history with those closest to her. Her sense of humor was unmatched, and to know Marcia was to love her and be loved by her in return.

Marcia is survived by her brother, Daniel Conway, and her three children: Melissa Caine Christiansen, Andrew (Heather) Caine, and John (Cheryl) Caine, who passed away the day after his mother. “MaMarsh” is also survived by her grandchildren David (Lindsay) Christiansen, Mae (Patrick Newton) Christiansen, Colin Caine, Meghan Caine, and Julia Caine, and her great-grandchildren Maxwell, Anne, Remy, and Silas.

Marcia was preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie and Clayton, her in-laws Verl and Martha Caine, and her beloved husband, Wally J. Caine.

The family sends a special thank you to all the people who took care of Marcia while she lived at Miller’s Assisted Living and Miller’s Merry Manor, as well as the staff at Center for Hospice Care for making her last season of life as enjoyable as possible.

Visitation will be held Thursday, July 13, 2023 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home (300 W. Madison St., Plymouth, IN 46563). Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church (425 S. Michigan St., Plymouth, IN 46563) with Pastor Lauren Hall presiding.

Burial will follow at New Oak Hill Cemetery (Plymouth, IN).

Memorial donations may be made to the Marshall County 4-H Council (Marshall County Building, 112 W Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN 46563) or Cancer Association of Marshall County (P O Box 895, Plymouth, IN 46563).

 Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.

Deaton-Clemens Van Gilder Funeral Home is honored to be providing services in celebrating the life of Marcia and wishes to express our deepest condolences to the family.

Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.