Marcia M. (Barrs) Horvat, 76, of Mishawaka went to be with her Lord Saturday, March 6, 2010 in Our Lady of Peace Hospital in Mishawaka.

She was born to Edward and Beatrice (Tharp)  Barrs on March 4, 1934 in Cassopolis. She lived her entire life in the Cassopolis and Mishawaka area and was a 1952 graduate of Cassopolis High School. Marcia enjoyed singing, playing the piano, reading and her family and friends. She was a past longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Cassopolis, and during that time was an active participant in the choir. She possessed a wonderful singing voice, which presented opportunities for her to share her gift at weddings and area churches.

Marcia was preceded in death by her husband, Blasco “Ted” Horvat, and by her sister, Patty Jo Barrs in 1991.

She is survived by her son, Robert (Rita) Parrish of Edwardsburg. She was known as “Grandma Rosey” to her four grandchildren, Alisa (Jonathan) Bourne of Osceola, Ind., Rachel (Chris) Robinson of South Bend, Matthew Hollaway of Bridgman and Kendra (Jon) Ritter of Levering, Mich., and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, William “Bill” Barrs of Edwardsburg, and half-sisters and brothers, Sue (Mark) Fralick of Edwardsburg, John Barrs of Mishawaka,  Leah Brown of Edwardsburg, Mary Hartness of Arkansas, Liz Clifford of Arkansas, Jane (Brian) Beyer of Ishpeming, Mich. and Cassie (Matthew) Weiderman of Ann Arbor, Mich.

Marcia was well known to many individuals as a fierce friend with a giving heart. A trait owed to her Grandpa Tharp. Her caring and understanding as a leader within the Michigan Recovery Program helped many to right their lives. Also a dog lover, Marcia dearly missed Mitzi, Rosey, and Baby. Marcia was also strongly patriotic and a fervent supporter of our Armed Forces. Her prayers for peace were to protect the lives of those who bravely served their country.

Marcia was a switchboard operator or Bendix and the South Bend Tribune. She also served as a receptionist for Clark Equipment and the Michigan Gas Company in Cassopolis along with Healthwin Hospital in South Bend. She retired from Kroger Supermarket in Mishawaka. One of Marcia’s favorite quotes was from the American author Mark Twain, “Do the right thing, It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.”

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Connelly Funeral Home, Cassopolis. Officiating will be her son, Robert Parrish.

Interment will be in Prospect Hill Cemetery, Cassopolis. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online condolences can be left at connellyfuneralhome@verizon.net