Martha Lynn Dobbs

Martha Lynn Ellis Dobbs, born on March 13, 1938, in Fort Worth, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the age of 86. She was the youngest of eight children born to Joe and Juanita Ellis, and a lifelong resident of Fort Worth. Martha was known for her devotion to family, friends, and her faith, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service.

Martha married her beloved husband, O.D. Dobbs, on March 4, 1957. Together, they built a strong and loving family, raising five children while supporting O.D.’s business, O.D. Dobbs Painting Contractor. As a homemaker, Martha poured her heart into nurturing her children and creating a warm, welcoming home for all who visited. Her career extended beyond the home, beginning in the early 1970s when she joined the Fort Worth Independent School District, where she served for 18 years in various capacities.

After leaving FWISD, Martha continued her career at General Dynamics/Lockheed Martin, where she worked until her retirement in 1994. Never one to remain idle, Martha found her true calling in caring for children and began teaching in the Early Childhood Program at Lake Arlington Baptist Church, where she was a Charter Member. She continued to nurture and care for little ones at church nurseries and preschools until health issues necessitated her stepping back.

A proud 1956 graduate of Polytechnic High School, Martha’s work ethic, compassion, and dedication defined her throughout seven decades of professional and personal achievements. In her younger years, she enjoyed playing tennis, bowling, and golfing with O.D., and she cherished outings with her mother, sister, daughter, and granddaughters, especially if they involved shopping. Martha’s joy came from spending time with her family, whether gathering for holidays, birthdays, or just because. She was also the dedicated organizer of the annual Ellis Reunion, a cherished tradition for over 20 years.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband O.D., her son Dan Dobbs, and her six cherished brothers: Henry Ellis, Joe Marvin “Bill” Ellis, W.G. “Dub” Ellis, Luther “Luke” Ellis, James “Peck” Ellis, and Bobby Ray Ellis, as well as her great-granddaughter Evelyn Russell Yeary. Martha treasured her family above all else and leaves behind a large and loving legacy.

She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Yeary and husband, Scott; her sons, David Dobbs, Doy Dobbs and wife, Dee, and Dib Dobbs and wife, Dee Dee; her sister and lifelong best friend, Sara Lewis, eleven grandchildren: Loni Yeary-Gentry and husband, Eric, Ryan Yeary and wife, Jessica, Wesley Yeary and wife, Kira, Lacey Pretorius and husband, Brendon, Madison Dobbs, Spencer Dobbs, Cole Dobbs, Bret Dobbs, Sydney Dobbs, Autumn Colson, and Chris Storey and wife, Melissa; and eighteen great-grandchildren. Martha also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whom she adored.

A Celebrate of Life will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Shannon Rose Hill Funeral Chapel, in Fort Worth, Texas. Burial to follow at Shannon Rose Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Alzheimer’s Association in Martha’s memory.

Martha Lynn Ellis Dobbs will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love of family, and the countless lives she touched with her gentle spirit. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.