Adda Ruth "Pinky" Marx

Pinky Marx gave so much of herself to so many all her life through her kindness and her artwork, but sadly she has left her place on this earth to go be with her God, The Father. Those that knew Pinky knew a truly extraordinary person. Far more than an artist; she was a gardener and photographer. She also drew some of the most ornate pieces, built prize-winning dollhouses, and even put her artistic touches into the model train layout she and her grandson, Arthur III, built for a show at the Battlefield Mall in the 1970's. Her biggest contribution was how much she gave of herself, to her family, her church, Unity, and to so many others-she cared so much for every sole she met. She was everyone's friend. Her given name was Adda Ruth Studley. Born November 29, 1913, she grew up on a farm east of Springfield, MO near Turner's Station. She didn't like the name Adda, but she loved Pinky, which she earned as a child because her hair was so red, the kids said it was pink. During WWII she worked in a war plant in St. Louis returning to Springfield where she became a hairdresser. She loved telling the story meeting the love of her life, a prominent Springfield clothier, Arthur Marx, Sr. They were married in the mid 50's, and she always said he brought her such great happiness until his passing in 1973. After his death, she immersed herself in art, photography, gardening, travel and in Unity. She was so fond of Unity's teachings, which helped her focus her amazing energies into a never-ending life journey of perfection. In her paintings and photography she portrayed her favorite vistas: The Grand Canyon, Yosemite and The Buffalo River area. With them all, especially The Grand Canyon, she had a way of using a multitude of colors to capture the rainbow of tones and hues she saw in her mind's eye. From her magnificent photos of a full moon rising over El Capitan in Yosemite, she was nicknamed "Mrs. Ansel Adams." Furthermore, with great distinction, her artwork was part of the works that traveled with Watercolor USA. Pinky was just shy of 102 years when she went to frolic in the gardens of Heaven. She was able to remain living in her home until recently, still entertaining anyone who happened to wander into her gardens or wanted to see her art work. The one thing that was always prancing around at Pinky's home was a cat; she always had a cat or two or three. Pinky's family is extremely thankful for all the wonderful caregivers at Culpepper Place Assisted Living, and especially the kind angels at James River Care and Rehabilitation Center, and Hospice Compassus. Also a very special thanks to Mark and Laury Leese, Kenny and Marti Knauer, and Ray Dunville for being wonderful friends and neighbors to Pinky. Pinky is survived by her three grandchildren: Diane Connell Benfield of Walla Walla, Wash.; Arthur Marx III of Portland, Ore and Springfield; and Madelynn Catherine Innes of Springfield; as well as her best friend and who has been right by her side helping her with her countless creations for over four decades is Lenard Davenport of Springfield. Her humor, wit, sarcasm and kindness will be greatly missed by so many who knew her. Funeral service will be held at Unity of Springfield, 2214 E. Seminole, on Saturday, October 3, 2015 starting with a visitation at noon and service at 2 p.m. with Reverend Gerry Comstock officiating. Burial will follow the service at Hazelwood Cemetery followed by a reception for all to celebrate Pinky's life and all her works. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribution may be made to Pinky's much-loved Studio 55 Fine Arts Guild, c/o of National Ave. Christian Church, 1515 S. National Ave., Springfield, Mo. 65804.