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MARSHELLIE MARIE COUCH

MARSHELLIE MARIE COUCH

Marshellie Marie “Babysweets” Couch, 18 years old, of Milan, Missouri, passed away Monday, July 26, 2021 at her home.

Marshellie was born January 25, 2003 in Kirksville, Missouri. She was born with partial Trisomy-15, a rare genetic chromosomal disorder, and a rare Neuromuscular Scoliosis. When she was born her life expectancy was only 3 to 5 years, she fought and far surpassed that.

Babysweets is survived by: her mother, Cherrie Couch of Milan; grandmother, Janet Harrelson of Milan; aunts, Gennifer Harrelson and Christine Harrelson, both of Milan; godmother, Marla Small of Iowa; special friends, Terri Clay of LaPlata, and Andrea Richards of Kirksville; her beloved Doctors, Dr. Dan Hoernschemeyer her Scoliosis Specialist, and Dr. Miles her Genetics Specialist.

Babysweets was preceded in death by: great great grandparents, Allen Couch and Martha Jane (Cannon) Couch; great grandparents, Thomas Allen Couch, Violet Couch, and Jerry Laverne Harrelson; cousins, Robert Allen Couch and Melissa Ann Couch; and several uncles and cousins.

Babysweets enjoyed being outdoors and long car rides. Her favorite color was purple. She loved watching Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, Tigger and Eeyore, and the weather radar on the news.

Babysweets was one of God’s Angels on earth, her smile lit up a room and despite all her challenges in life, she was always happy. Babysweets got her nickname from her Aunt Christine, she called her Babysweets when she held her for the first time and the name stuck. But she also had a special bond with her Aunt Gennifer who loved and cared for her. Babysweets loved almost everyone she met, but most loved her family.

My name is Marshellie “Baby sweets” Marie Couch. I was born with a chromosomal disorder called partial tiresome fifteen. In addition, I had a neuromuscular disorder. My aunt Chris named me “baby sweets” the first time she seen me. I was able to walk independently although with these disorders, I wasn’t ever able to speak real words. Mostly I made sounds. Although I did laugh a lot like my aunt Chris I would laugh with my whole heart. If I could speak, I would tell you my story as follows. First thing I would say is to my aunt Ginny, I love you with my whole heart. Because you loved and cared for me every day of my short life. You would hold me tight when I was frightened by the storms. You would always hug and love on me. The Dr’s told my mother Cherrie I would be lucky to live 3-5 years. Although due to the good care and constant attention from my Aunt Ginny, I lived almost 19 years. I felt love every day of my life. I never knew of anger or disappoint as others in this life have experienced. I never met a stranger. I loved to look outside the door and watch for my aunt Chris. I wouldn’t ever know what vehicle she would show up in. I always knew when my aunt Chris was coming to the door. She would give me a big squeeze and kiss my forehead. My NANA would go with my aunt Chris a lot so I would get her shoes and hat for NANA. If I could speak, I would tell my NANA thank you for singing songs to me and for rubbing my back to help with the discomforts I had due to my muscular disorder. I had several special Dr’s and therapists. That was very kind and helpful to me and my family. I want to thank my mother Cherrie for always driving me and Aunt Ginny to all of my appointments and my multiple surgeries. If I could speak, I would tell you that I would want to help other children that are born with chromosomal disorders. My life will be carried on through the benefit of scientific research at the local medical school in Kirksville, Missouri. They can study the effects of my disorder to help bring knowledge and comfort to others. I would tell you I enjoyed watching all sports with my mother Cherrie. I loved the loony toons, Eeyore and tigger, and Tom and Jerry. My life was short to some. Although I lived a good life and I lived longer than my life expectancy was predicted. Thanks for all the care and love I received from so many. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Life is a gift, precious and to be treasured, so Marshellie’s family donated her body so that her legacy will live on and help other children with rare chromosomal disorders. A celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Ronald McDonald House.