Paula J. Reed Marsh

HUDSON - Paula J. Reed Marsh, 85, of Hudson, Ohio, passed away June 4, 2025. Born in Lodi, OH, to parents Eugene and Evelyn (Stratton) Reed, she married Boyd T. Marsh in 1962 in Congress, OH.

Paula graduated from Bowling Green State University, (member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority), and from Northwestern High School, (West Salem, OH), where she was a majorette and May Queen. Paula taught at elementary schools in Ohio, Mississippi, and New Jersey. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Hudson, where she was the first Time for Tots Nursery School teacher.

Paula shared her time and experience with many Summit County organizations that help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She also served as a board member of The Arc of Summit and Portage Counties and, in 2009, was inducted into The Arc’s Hall of Honor for her contributions. Paula and her husband, Boyd, together created the Personal Advocacy Program for Summit and Portage County citizens with intellectual and developmental disabilities and, in 1992, were instrumental in legally challenging unfair local ordinances that created obstacles for developmentally disabled individuals to live in residential neighborhoods.

While these are the facts of her life to be remembered, there are also many other qualities to be honored. Paula gave much of herself to make things better for those around her; she always made the effort to let people know their work was seen and valued; she was warm, funny, smart, and vibrant; and she never met a game that she didn’t want to win!

Preceded in death by her husband, Boyd; parents; sister, Janet Reed Soltysik, and nephew, Mark Soltysik, she is survived by daughters, Melissa Marsh, Tallmadge, OH and Amanda Marsh (Eric Simon), New Hampshire; son, Brent (Meri) Marsh of Findlay, OH; grandsons, Reed Marsh Simon and Forest Marsh Simon, New Hampshire; granddaughter, Grace Elizabeth Marsh, Findlay, OH; niece, Susan (Mark) Stephan, and nephews David Soltysik, Scott (Lisa) Len, and Peter (Ruby) Len.

Paula has requested no calling hours or services. Burial will be at Congress Cemetery in West Salem, OH.

For those who would like to remember Paula in a tangible way, memorial donations may be made to Ardmore, Inc., (Advocacy Program), 981 East Market Street, Akron, OH 44305.

Condolences and memories may be sent to 30 Tubbs Hill Road, Deering, NH 03244, and/or 11893 County Road 26, Findlay, OH 45840.