Marla Ann Halsey, 51, of Odessa, Missouri, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family.
Marla was born on October 6, 1974, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Kathy (Oldham) Scott and Gary Scott. She lived a life full of love, faith, and a genuine commitment to caring for those around her.
She graduated from Odessa High School in 1993 and attended the University of Central Missouri. She later earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Occupational Therapy from Sanford-Brown College in 1996. For 30 years, Marla worked as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, primarily in skilled nursing facilities. She approached her work with the same patience, empathy, and care that marked every aspect of her life.
Marla met her husband, Brett, in June of 1992 at the local Sonic. They quickly became inseparable and dated for several years. On April 19, 1997, Marla and Brett were married at the First Baptist Church of Odessa. Brett and Marla spent 33 loving years together, building a life as true partners. Marla helped with the family business and farm, working side by side with Brett, pouring her time and care into the daily work that shaped their life together. She took great pride in caring for their home and family. Of all the roles Marla held in her life, her greatest titles were wife and mother.
She was the proud and devoted mother of two daughters, Katelyn and Haley. Being their mom was her greatest joy. She loved them deeply, cheering them on in everything they pursued and supporting them through all moments of life.
Marla found happiness in the simple things and treasured time well spent with those she loved. She enjoyed summer days at Truman Lake, a good game of cards, and opening her home to family and friends. Her kindness, wit, and unwavering dedication to her family left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
A member of the Odessa Church of Christ, Marla lived with humility, kindness, and grace. Even through life’s hardest seasons, she continued to put others first and fully embraced each day.
She is survived by her husband, Brett Halsey of Odessa, Missouri; her daughters, Katelyn (Seth) Noble of Stanberry, Missouri, and Haley Halsey of Odessa, Missouri; her mother, Kathy Scott of Warsaw, Missouri; her father, Gary Scott of Grain Valley, Missouri; and her brothers, Kevin (Mary) Scott and Jared (Mandy) Scott, both of Grain Valley, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jack and Frances “Dutch” Oldham, and Owen Dale and Mary Juanita Scott, all of Odessa, Missouri, and her father-in-law, Joseph Halsey of Odessa, Missouri.
A private viewing was held by the immediate family. A celebration of Marla’s life will be announced at a later date.
The family will receive flowers at their home. Memorial donations in Marla’s memory may be made in care of Brett Halsey and will honor Marla through organizations important to the family.
Source: KMZU, The Farm
