The Crestwood Board of Aldermen passed a new proclamation on Sept. 22, honoring Marsha Sappington Halkola for her contributions to the city throughout her lifetime.

Halkola is a direct descendant of Thomas and John Sappington, historic South County community members; the proclamation cites them as a “founding family of southwest St. Louis County.”

In South County, Halkola has worked to preserve and care for the historic Sappington Cemetery. Her contributions include planting seasonal flowers, placing commemorative wreaths on headstones throughout the year and advocating for improvements to the site. The proclamation emphasizes that she has promoted it as “a place of reflection, remembrance and historical significance.”

Halkola is also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) — a nonprofit organization founded in 1890 to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism across the United States, according to the group. She has helped establish two chapters of the organization and currently serves as the chaplain of the John Sappington Chapter.

In addition to her work at the cemetery and as a member of DAR, Halkola has worked to share her historical knowledge of the Sappington family with local residents, visitors, civic organizations and students. She has also created educational displays that were exhibited at Crestwood City Hall, schools, libraries and other venues.

According to Crestwood communications manager AJ McNaughton, another member of the DAR approached Crestwood Mayor Scott Shipley in the spring, hoping that a proclamation would be passed for Halkola’s efforts.