Martha was born in Des Moines, Iowa on April 9, 1937, to Bertha Weaver and Emil Mudra. With family by her side, Martha left us on July 18, 2024. Martha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Everett Sr.; sons, Ronald and John Sr.; brothers, Leroy and Junior; and sisters, Betty, Shirley, and Lois.
Martha is survived by her brothers, Jerry and Robert; sister, Mary; children, Donald (Jackie), Everett Jr. “Butch”, Janice (Bobby); daughter-in-law, Desiree; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
In the mid-1960s, Martha, along with her husband and children settled in Easton. She enrolled her children at American Union Elementary not knowing at the time that the school would become a major contributor to the rest of her life.
Martha spent countless hours volunteering at AU while her children were students. She was told by the Principal, “Since you’re here so much you might as well work here”. So she did, for the next 40 years. Spending her days at the same school as her children and grandchildren was for Martha, a defining time in her life, bringing her the greatest joy and a lifetime of memories.
Over her years at AU, the staff and students became an extension of her family and she became everyone's “Grandma.” Known for her hugs and extra food, Martha made sure no one went without. She was a shoulder to cry on, a smile to brighten your day and a fierce protector to all in need. These are some of the reasons why she was nominated as Classified Employee of the Year and ABC 30’s Person of the Week.
Martha loved her family unconditionally. She was happiest when watching her grandkids and great-grandkids participate in extracurricular activities and events. Sports, dance, school awards and programs, she was always there to cheer them on. Outside of her family, she loved nothing more than a good joke. Family, friend, or stranger, everyone was included in the fun. The one topic not open for jokes were her beloved Dodgers. Everyone knew she was not to be disturbed while watching her game.
Martha’s favorite holiday was Christmas. Her over-the-top yard decorations and meticulous indoor setup took days to organize. The only part of Christmas she loved more than the day itself was the annual shopping trip that occurred the day after. From sunup to sundown, she went store to store looking to find a great deal for next year's display. In an attempt to hide the amount of things she purchased from her husband, Everett, she would leave them on the porch or in her car until he went to sleep before quietly sneaking them inside. Finding a place to hide her “treasures” became a game she gladly played year after year.
Martha’s warmth, generosity, and humor will be deeply missed, but her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her and will live on through her family and friends.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, July 31 from 9am to 10am at Easton Presbyterian Church. A Celebration of Martha's Life will be on Wednesday, July 31, at 10:00 am Easton Presbyterian Church with burial following at Washington Colony Cemetery.
