Heatherly, Martha – 1938–2011

BOWSER, CHAMBERS, DAVIS, HEATHERLY, HELD, MATHEWS, NEASHAM

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 4/2/2011 at 14:17:03

Martha Heatherly, 72, a long-time resident of Sully, Iowa, died on March 26, 2011 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Martha embodied the best qualities of her community and was known for her genuine nature, generosity, and love of family, friends and neighbors. A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Newton, Iowa on Thursday March 31. Visitation will be at 6 p.m. and services at 7 p.m.
Martha was born in Newton, Iowa to George U. and Wilma Davis. She grew up on a farm with her two sisters Marilyn Neasham and Mary Ann Chambers, and was active in 4H. She married Carlos Heatherly on December 27, 1960, and together they had three daughters; Lisa Held, Lennis Mathews and Linette Bowser. This past December, Martha and Carlos happily celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family.
Martha was a curious, lifelong learner and a passionate advocate of education. She attended Newton High School, Iowa’s Teacher’s College (now University of Northern Iowa) and Drake University. She taught second grade at Emerson Hough and Thomas Jefferson elementary schools and Sunday school classes at First United Methodist Church, where she was a member. Martha loved history and biographies, and actively read and shared books on a variety of topics. Martha also worked at Hansen Directory in Newton for 22 years.
Her love of sewing and gardening was well known; a generous variety of beautiful flowers adorned her yard, and she freely shared them with local churches to decorate services. Martha was a long-time member and former President of the Apres Medi Club.
Martha is survived by her mother Wilma, husband Carlos, daughters Lisa, Lennis, and Linette, sister Mary Ann and 7 grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her father George and sister Marilyn.
Memorials to honor Martha will be donated to: Hospice of Jasper County Skiff Medical Center, 204 N. 4th Ave., Newton, Iowa 50208.
(Martha Davis was born November 29, 1938.)
Source: Newton Daily News; Monday, March 28, 2011