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A Song in Her Heart

This issue’s Country Woman cover gal is in tune with faith and farming.

Marsha D. is a typical North Dakota farmer…with a noteworthy difference. “First and foremost, I’m a wife, mother and farm woman,” she says from rural Sherwood, where she helps her husband, David, farm small grains. “My roles range from combine operator, truck driver, parts runner and lawn mower to bill payer, bookkeeper and cook.”

Then there’s that one key gift that sets her apart—music.

Music has always played an important part in Marsha’s life. A contemporary gospel singer, she has three CDs to her credit and a powerful voice that naturally stirs the soul and lifts the spirit.

“I’ve been singing longer than I can remember. Performing in church, at holiday programs, festivals and contests was a part of growing up,” Marsha shares. “I can still see Mom, Dad and us six kids filling up the front of the church and singing a Christmas medley that my brother arranged.”

In concert with her life as a Midwestern farm wife, Marsha D. inspires gospel music fans with her recordings and live performances. To keep in practice, she vocalizes while tending to family pets and harvesting grain.

Soulful Singer

After high school, Marsha went on to study voice—until marriage and the birth of two daughters put her singing career on pause. But by no means did that silence the music.

“Around 8 years ago, our pastor asked me to lead worship at area churches that were short on ministers,” she recalls. “I felt unqualified to give formal sermons, but knew that I could sing the inspirational words of others. So, I sang my way into those churches.”

Impressed, Marsha’s friends and family encouraged her to make a professional recording. A songwriter friend introduced her to a local music producer, who recorded her first CD in a simple studio in his basement.

“That first CD, Year in Song, sets the church calendar to music, from Advent through Easter. My second, Lakeside Peace, features Christmas songs, and the third, Not Too Far, is contemporary gospel with some pop songs,” says Marsha.

“Several of the songs I’ve recorded are the work of North Dakota writers. I feel strongly about the talent here and use many local musicians. My sister Melanie and daughters, Brooke, 19, and Kelsy, 16, are among my favorite background singers.”

In the Key of “F,” for Family

“In many ways, this singing ministry has become a blessing for our whole family,” Marsha adds. “Typically, I schedule 40 public appearances a year, and at least one member of my family comes with me.

“When David’s schedule permits, he takes a break from our wheat, barley, canola, sunflowers and soybeans to run my sound equipment.”

During downtime on the farm, Marsha sings at churches, conventions, sporting events, banquets, retreats and rural women’s forums. Often, she’ll play guitar and invite her audience to join in on the chorus.

Somehow, Marsha manages to mix farm chores and performing, without missing a beat!

“When we’re busy with harvest, I’ve been known to take music with me to practice while I’m out in the field,” Marsha admits. “I may look a little goofy singing from the cab of the combine. But multitasking is what women do best.

“Besides, adding melody to anything makes it more meaningful to me,” she adds.
It’s no wonder farming and Marsha’s music harmonize so beautifully.

Editor’s Note: For more information on Marsha’s CDs and performances, call Marsha DesLauriers at 1-800/235-8132, or you can connect to her Web site through www.countrywomanmagazine.com/links.

Photos: RP and Susan Ritter