Marsha Ann Soper Wright
Marsha Ann Soper Wright, 74, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Cedar Ridge Health Campus in Cynthiana, Kentucky.
Born on December 2, 1951, in Fayette County, Kentucky, Marsha was the daughter of the late John Estill (Linda) Soper and Mildred Frances Stamper (H.C.) Judy.
Marsha is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, John Prewitt Wright; her two daughters, Amanda Ann (Chris) Denniston and Amelia Frances (Kiley) Vaughn; her brother John Estill (Rita) Soper III, her step brother, Jeff (Mary Jane) Smith, her step-sister Kim Smith and her beloved grandchildren, Madelynn LeeAnn Denniston, 25; Logan Robert Denniston, 20; Chandler Elizabeth Vaughn, 17; John Russ Vaughn, 14; and Hinkston Wright Vaughn, 12. She also leaves behind Sassy, her precious Yorkshire Terrier, her cherished nieces and nephews, and many dear friends whose lives were enriched by her advice, wisdom, kindness and unwavering encouragement. A special thank you to her caregiver, Christie Martin, for the exceptional love, patience and friendship she shared with Mom. We are forever grateful.
Teaching was more than Marsha’s profession—it was her life’s calling. Her passion for education began at just 13 years old when she assisted her grandmother with the Head Start program during the 1960s. A graduate of Nicholas County High School, Class of 1969, Marsha began her college education at Maysville Community College. She continued her studies at the University of Kentucky, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. Later, she earned her Rank I certification in Special Education and Microcomputers.
Throughout her distinguished career, Marsha taught in the Harrison County, Mason County and Bourbon County school systems, sharing her love of learning with countless students. After retiring from the Harrison County School System following 27 years of service, Marsha returned to continue doing what she loved most—teaching and helping others. In total, she dedicated 49 years of her life to education. Even in death, Marsha’s passion for education continues. In accordance with her wishes, she donated her body to the University of Kentucky’s Willing Bodies Program, allowing future physicians and medical students to continue learning through her final gift. Having lived with diabetes and its many complications for most of her life, Marsha hoped her donation would deepen medical understanding of the disease and help improve the care of others. It was one last act of teaching—a legacy of knowledge, compassion and service that reflected the way she lived her life.
Among the most meaningful chapters of her career was teaching adult education classes in the evenings, where she helped individuals pursue new opportunities and brighter futures. She also found great purpose working with students in an Alternative School setting, helping struggling young people stay on track and achieve their goal of graduation. Whether teaching children or adults, Marsha believed every student deserved someone who believed in them and she dedicated her life to being that person.
When asked about her greatest accomplishment, Marsha often reflected on the remarkable health journey she faced throughout her life. At just 13 months old, she underwent eye surgery, and at the age of 10, she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes after falling into a coma—a time when her parents were told she might not survive. Diabetes eventually led to numerous serious health complications, each becoming part of a lifelong journey that demanded extraordinary courage, determination and resilience. Despite these challenges, Marsha faced each day with remarkable strength and perseverance until her final day.
At the age of 21, Marsha married her one and only husband, John. After being told they should consider adoption, they were overjoyed to welcome their first daughter, Mandy, at the age of 25, and their second daughter, Mia, at the age of 28. She often described motherhood as her greatest challenge, but also her greatest blessing. Her daughters, son-in-laws and later her grandchildren, filled her life with immeasurable love, pride and joy.
Marsha lived by the advice she so often shared with her students: “We all have disabilities of some kind. Learn to live with it or overcome it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you will never amount to anything or accomplish your goals. You can be what you want to be with your mind, body, and the grace of God.”
Those words reflected the way she lived her own life— faith, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others.
A Celebration of Life honoring Marsha will be held on August 1, 2026 at The Prizing House, 329 South Church Street, Cynthiana, Kentucky, 41031. Per her wishes, cocktail hour will begin at 4:30 p.m. with family reflections beginning at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner, mingling and dancing. This will be a time for friends and loved ones to gather, share memories and celebrate the extraordinary life she lived.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association or the Cynthiana Humane Society in Marsha’s memory.
