Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at a 2:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Church honoring the life of “Bobbie” Putnam Marshall, 89, who died Sunday, February 15, 2009 at her residence.

She will be laid to rest at Lafayette Memorial Park with Reverend William C. Blanda officiating the services. Pallbearers include Kimball P. Marshall, Phillip "Chip" Purpera, Jr., Phillip Purpera, III, Daniel Latiolais, Matthew Bortner, Richard Putnam, III and Michael Wilson. She is survived by her children Mary-Alison Watkins and husband Richard Watkins of Abbeville, Kimball Putnam Marshall of Natchez MS, Noemie Roy Marshall of Lafayette ,Katherine Purpera and her husband Phillip "Chip" Purpera Jr.of Lafayette. Her Grandchildren Shannon H. Wilson and her husband Michael of Sherrils Ford NC, Mary Mathilde Hartman of New York, NY, Jennifer L. Bortner and her husband Mathew of Prairieville, LA,: Daniel Latiolais of Broussard: Amy Latiolais of Lafayette; Annah M. Joseph and her husband John of Birmingham AL; Elizabeth Marshall of Nashville TN; Phillip Purpera III of Lafayette; Alison Purpera of Lafayette and three great grandchildren.

She is preceeded in death by her husband of 63 years Gordon Kimball Marshall and her parents Robert "Bob" Putnam and Mary Mathilde" Mattie" Putnam, her sister "Singsie" Putnam and brother Judge Richard Putnam as well as her grandson Patrick Purpera.

Mrs. Marshall was the granddaughter of Dr. F.F. Young, the founder of "The Palms Sanitarium" later called "The Palms Hospital" in Abbeville. Her father "Mr. Bob" was a rice buyer for Frank Godchaux at Louisiana State Rice Milliing Co. (later Riviana Foods). He later helped establish Vermilion Farmers Coop. Mrs. Marshall attended Our Lady of the Lake College in San Antonio TX. Later she recieved her Bachelors Degree at SLI (UL of L) in English and French Education. Before marrying she taught at Henry High School and worked at the Vermilion Parish Public Library. "Bobbie" married Gordon K. Marshall in Boston, MA on July 21,1945. Where she became the Harvard Law Librarian. They later lived in Catskill NY, New Jersey and Baton Rough LA. Upon returning to Abbeville she taught the Adult education night school for war veterans (Korean war) in Vermilion and Lafayette Parishes. She was a second grade teacher for 16 years at Montgomery Elem. in Lafayette. She was happiest when she was at home raising her children. Her devotion to her husband and family was surpassed only by her devotion to her Catholic faith. She had been a member of Our Lady of Fatima and St. Mary Magdalen Catholic Churches.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Acadiana, as well as a number of private care givers for the excellent care they gave.

Because Bobbie Putnam Marshall was the granddaughter of the founder of "The Palms Hospital" memorial donations may be made to "The Tree of Life" in her honor through her daughter, Mary-Alison Watkins, 106 S Hollingsworth Dr., Abbeville LA 70510. This contribution helps persons wishing to go into the medical field obtain the financial help needed.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Abbeville, 209 S. St. Charles Street, on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 9:00 a.m. until time of service with a rosary to be prayed at 12:00 p.m.