December 8, 1944 - April 21, 2026
Marsha (Hays) Carlin, 81-year-old Vinita resident, passed away peacefully, late Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Wind Ridge Care Facility in Miami. She was born in Portland, Oregon to Marshall C. Hays and Orabelle Irene (Vulgamore) Hays. Marsha graduated from high school and continued her education in Beirut, Lebanon. As a young lady Marsha was quite attractive and popular in Beirut. She worked as a Child Support Enforcement Officer in Okanogan, Washington. Marsha married Bennie Carlin on July 20, 1984, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Bennie, like Marsha’s father, had served his country in the military and was a decorated soldier. Bennie passed away in 2016, and Marsha moved to the Vinita area on May 25, 2017, from Lincoln City, Oregon. She was continually active in the AliveChurch of Vinita, volunteering in many capacities and was a staple of the church. Marsha loved animals, especially horses, exotic cats, and dogs.
She is survived by her brother Richard Hays and his wife Sammy of Vinita, a son, Marcel Saleh of Washington; step-son, Jason Carlin of Kennewick, Washington; grandchildren, Cameron, and Alexander of Washington as well; special family, Pastor Robert Sanders, his wife Melanie, and all member of the AliveChurch of Vinita.
The graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Pheasant Hill Cemetery near Vinita, Pastor Robert Sanders will officiate. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. “Vinita’s only locally family owned and operated funeral home.”