The Fellers Arts Factory

We grieve the loss of Marsha Yvonne Feller, beloved wife of Ron Feller, who was surrounded by the love of family and friends until her peaceful death, at home, on the evening of November 2, 2024.

Marsha was born on June 3, 1944 in Long Beach, CA, to Mel and Beatrice Self. As a teen she moved with her parents and younger brother, Steve, to Vashon Island, WA, where Marsha excelled as a student and was well-liked by her peers and teachers. At Central Washington University, she majored in social studies and education while participating in theatre, dance, and music. When playing a role in a campus production of The Pajama Game, Marsha stole Ron’s heart. He recalls how he fell in love with Marsha’s sparkling smile and radiant personality. They were married on Thanksgiving Day, 1965, beginning a loving, adventurous partnership of 60 years.

After completing a year of teaching in Spokane, Marsha and Ron embarked on their first overseas adventure, securing teaching positions in Sydney, Australia. It was there that they began putting together programs of stories, poetry, and songs. Further travels took them to Europe which broadened their interests to include mime, mask-making, and puppetry.

It wasn’t long before Marsha and Ron decided they could earn a living in the arts. They jumped at the chance to tour for arts organizations including National School Assemblies, sharing stories and songs enhanced with live musical accompaniment, puppets, and masks. With the arts in education as their focus and passion, they also worked for Educational Consultants of America, presenting at national arts conferences and teaching classes for colleges and universities. About this time, they received a grant from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to wow their first book, Paper Masks and Puppets for Stories, Songs, and Plays. Ultimately, they created “Feller’s Arts Factory Festivals” for schools across the western states, working with many thousands of students, teachers, and parents for a span of forty years.

During several summers at home, they hosted the Children’s Art Festival at Riverfront Park in downtown Spokane, where the theme was “All the Arts for All the People.” This inspired their second Arts activity book, Fanciful Faces & Handbound Books: Fairy Tales. They also created sets of mask-making templates which have recently been converted to a digital platform on a new website, TheFellersArtFactory.com

In addition to their work, family and friends have always been important to Marsha and Ron. They’ve enjoyed people from all walks of life, and over the years, many have been drawn into the circle of their friendly warmth. Not to be forgotten are 35 years of singing with Our Lady of Lourdes Cathedral choir, and a lifetime association with the residents and staff of Morning Star Boy’s Ranch.

Marsha’s Celebration of life will be held at St.Aloysius Gonzaga, on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Our deepest thanks to every person who has reached out to offer condolences and support during this time. We appreciate the continued prayers and thoughts.