Marla Ann David, 87, passed away September 6, 2023 due to surgery complications after suffering a heart attack. She was born in Toledo on May 29, 1936 to Oliver and Dorothy (Walrod) Grothaus. Marla was a lifelong resident of northwest Ohio, first in rural Sylvania and later in rural Bowling Green, and enjoyed winters in Venice, Florida for the last 20 years.
She graduated in 1955 from Whitney High School, and in 1957 married Lawrence “Buddy” David. Married 66 years, they have 3 children: Lisa (Wayne) Valadez, Ogden, UT; Amy (Scott) Cox, Waterville, OH; Adam (Amy) David, rural Bowling Green; 8 grandchildren: Sondra (Ryan) Bolander, Rachel (Josh) Jost, and Mark (Ashleigh) Creps, Salt Lake City, UT; Taylor (Ryan Litz) Cox, Wayne, OH; Brennan Cox and Kirsten Cox, Waterville; Kyle David and Ketly David, BG; and 4 great-grandchildren: Cal, Nolan, Jolie Jost, and Harrison Creps, SLC.
Marla held several jobs over the years but most cherished was her job as a full-time wife, mom, grandma, and caregiver for her beloved grandkids when they were little. Her greatest joy was her children whom she was always there for, whether it was her kids or grandkids, extended family kids, our childhood friends and neighborhood kids, even kids at the RV park during winters spent in Florida.
Marla found joy in the outdoors and led us on many adventures, camping in the pop-up camper or exploring at our many local parks. She never said “No” to any critter, pet, or farm animal we wanted to bring home or that wandered into our yard looking for a home. She instilled that love of life in all her kids and will live in our hearts forever.
Marla enjoyed camping and travel, motorcycling with Buddy and the Goldwing Road Riders, gardening, and in later years, feeding the birds and helping make quilts for charities. She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Haskins, OH. Marla was preceded in death by her parents and brother Larry Oliver Grothaus, Sr.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peinert-Dunn Funeral Home, Waterville. Services for Marla will be private, with interment at Toledo Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please visit an American Red Cross blood drive to donate your gift of life. Memorial contributions for Marla can be made to Friends of Side Cut Metropark and sent to Peinert-Dunn Waterville Chapel, 7220 Dutch Road, Waterville, OH, 43566. Funds will be used to purchase a brick paver in Marla’s honor and to benefit children’s, wildlife, and park programs at Side Cut.
