Tribute to Martha

Apparently life has a mind of its own, like when you plan things and nothing goes according to the plan. It’s a good thing heaven cannot get too full because my Martha Urness passed away suddenly last week at the age of 96.

She had come to Brians funeral and was in church the Sunday before she passed, there were no signs. We really never know how or when we will leave this world for the next. Trust me there is a next!

Do you know where you will spend your eternity? Martha did.

I met Martha back in 2004 when I delivered some vitamins from the health food store I was working at. This cute petite little lady opened the door and we chatted a while at the door. She said I should come back one time for a visit, and I did.

Martha told me much later that she was so surprised that this young lady would take time out of her busy day to come for a visit with an old lady. If she only knew how much her visits meant to me.

At the time I met Martha, she was not an “old” lady even if she was 76. She lived on her own, she drove, she planted and took care of her own garden. She walked every day, and did this almost every day until she passed, she did her exercises and was a happy to help the older folks around her that she knew needed help, she was sharp and clear thinking.

These are the things I remember about Martha but it’s not all. Martha was in love with God. Her sweet but tenacious spirit was the backbone of her prayer life with God. If you knew Martha and she knew you- chances are she prayed for you.

Our relationship can be summed up in that we adopted each other. It would be unusual in some years for me not to see her weekly or more. Each visit was a delight to my heart. There was a sense of peace that surrounded Martha, and if my life was upside down I wanted a Martha hug and get her to pray! Martha is famous for her hugs.

From Bible studies, to song singing, to going on road trips together, Martha and I became fast friends. Maybe it was more like a substitute mom figure for me because mine was far away, but for whatever reason, we liked hanging out, and we laughed a lot. A whole lot.

Martha was our best man/best woman/bridesmaid at our wedding. She had no idea how to get in the hot air balloon basket that we got married in and Brian simply picked her up and put her in, she was 82.

Just like Martha loved God and had a relationship with Him that was real, Martha adored her family. I got an update each time I visited on where each one was, how they were doing and saw all the current grandchildren and great grandchildren pictures. Martha was so proud of her family, she loved each and every one of them. Martha was a mom through and through.

More importantly Martha prayed for each family member that God would bless their life, take care and protect them and they would know how much Jesus loved them. There is nothing more special and important than to have a praying mom, and grandma. She touched lives in ways you do not even know with her prayers. She was like a mighty secret agent protecting and covering her family with her prayers.

Martha inherited her faith from her parents. She told me the story about the forest fire heading to their land when she was a girl and seeing her dad and mom on their knees asking God for favour and protection. She said the fire burned all around them but never came onto their land.

I was going through my pictures of my adventures with Martha. From the time we went to see her sister Esther, to our many trips to the Wanham area to see the old farm. Martha liked car rides and seeing the outdoors.

Her favourite place was a farm with animals that brought her back to her childhood where she played in the barn with her cats.

She leaves us with many warm memories, fun stories and a knowledge that she will be waiting with a hug for us in heaven.

Bear Creek Funeral Home has the details for celebrating Marthas life.