Martha Ellison's Obituary
Martha Ellison, age 72 of Moravia, Iowa passed away Saturday May 10, 2014, at her home.
She was born August 5, 1941 in Purdin, Missouri, the daughter of Ervin and Audree (Warren) Barrows. Martha was raised on the family farm in Purdin. She graduated from Liberty High School in Browning, Missouri in 1959. Martha later earned her bachelor's degree from Northeast Missouri State University in Kirksville, Missouri.
Following the completion of her schooling, Martha entered the field of teaching. Her career in teaching lasted thirty eight years, all in the Moravia School District in Moravia, Iowa.
Martha's passion in her free time was the betterment of the Moravia community. She spent countless hours volunteering her time towards the progressive growth of Moravia. Martha was involved in numerous community activities, including the American Legion Auxiliary, the Moravia Historical Society, Citizens Advisory Committee, the Moravia Public Library, blood donation, as well as many other groups.
She shined like an angel and was always so selfless, so giving and a wonderful person. Martha loved her family, friends, people and her community. She enjoyed nature, flowers, hummingbirds, (as well as other birds) sunlight, counting eagles and vultures at Lake Rathbun, trees when they would bud, and in the fall, the change of colors. Furthermore, Martha loved attending basketball games, the color purple, silver ""bling,"" teaching, helping others around her, the Moravia Library, Red Hat lunches, the Moravian stars, decorating at Christmas time, Christmas in July with her friends, shoes, long conversations, making Harvey Walbanger cakes, lemon bars, pumpkin bread, bumpy cookies, chocolate toffee pieces, chocolate, coffee, quilting, sewing red pajamas, being ornery, and many, many, many other things.
Her son David has expressed his gratitude for everything she has done for him, as well as for her grandchildren, Jesse and David. Martha always had time for everyone and everything, and if she didn't, she would make time. Her son David has stated that he didn't think he ever once heard her complain about anything and he is truly grateful for the times he shared with her.
Martha is survived by her son, David Ellison of Des Moines, Iowa; two grandchildren, David Ellison of Johnston, Iowa and Jesse Bensen of Ames, Iowa; and a sister, Irene (Donald) Cokerham of Laclede, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her parents; as well as seven siblings.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, May 16, 2014 at the Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene in Moravia, Iowa with Reverends Terry Chapman and Ken Martin officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Moravia, Iowa. A visitation will be held at Lange Funeral Home in Moravia, Iowa on Thursday, May 15, 2014 with the family greeting friends from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to the Moravia Historical Society and may be given to Lange Funeral Home, 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.langefh.com.
Visitation
May 15, 2014 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lange Funeral Home 103 North Johns St. Moravia, IA (641) 724-3413
Funeral Service
May 16, 2014 11:00 AM
Lighthouse Church of the Nazarene Moravia, IA
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