Marcia Jean Dial, 80, of Kimberling City, Missouri, passed away on May 23, 2026, at Cox South Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Marcia was born on December 13, 1945, in Beloit, Kansas, to the late Talmage Esbern Leach and Ruth Margaret Leach. She was a faithful member of Kimberling City Methodist Church.

Marcia was a dedicated and outstanding educator who spent 35 years shaping young lives and continually striving to perfect her craft. She began her teaching career in Wichita, Kansas, and later taught in both Crane and Reeds Spring, Missouri. She concluded her distinguished career as an Elementary Assistant Principal in Reeds Spring, where she made a lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the community.

Above all, Marcia was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy in life was the time she spent with her immediate and extended family, especially her grandchildren, who became the center of her world. She will be remembered for her warmth, devotion, and the deep love she shared with those around her.

In addition to her parents, Marcia was preceded in death by her sister, Ann Owens; her brother, Dan Leach; and her brothers-in-laws, Mike Dial, Truman Owens and Jimmy Grey.

Left to honor her memory are her loving and devoted husband of 59 years, Pat Dial; her son, Christopher Alan Dial and wife Cindy; her son, Dr. Jason Curtis Dial and wife Terri; and her daughter, Dr. Amanda Jean Smith and husband Max. She is also survived by her five grandchildren, Aubrie Dial, Taylor Garver and her husband Blaine, Breanna Smith, Emersyn Smith, and Hunter Smith; her great-granddaughter, Rylan Garver; her siblings, Dave Leach and wife RaeAnn, Dick Leach and wife Joan, Nancy Grey, and Dale Leach and wife Carmella; as well as countless extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a memorial service to follow, on May 27, 2026, at Kimberling City Methodist Church. Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Reeds Spring School District Foundation for the creation of a scholarship fund in Marcia’s honor.