Martha Ellen (Robbins) Marrah, 67, of Deland, Florida passed away peacefully Monday, December 9, 2019, at home in DeLand Florida of Glioblastoma multiforme brain cancer with her husband Joe by her side.
Martha was born in West Union Iowa on January 22, 1952. She was raised on a farm south of Mederville by her parents, John and Gladys Robbins. Martha graduated at Elkader Central High School in 1970. On June 20, 1970, she was united in marriage with Joe Marrah of Elkader, formerly of Strawberry Point, IA. To this union they were blessed with two boys, Brian of Sanford, Florida and David of Kansas City, MO.
Together they made their home near St. Olaf, IA, until Joe entered the Army in November, 1970. After living in Pennsylvania and Germany they returned to purchase their first home in Volga, IA in 1972, where they welcomed their first son, Brian. In 1976, they moved to Jesup, IA, and in 1977, welcomed their second son David. Martha was a dedicated wonderful mother and had an unlimited love for her boys. In 1980, they moved to Dysart to raise their family. In 1997, they moved to Washburn, IA, until retirement in 2015, when they moved to DeLand, Florida.
Along with making a happy home for her family Martha worked in her own painting and wallpaper business for many years as well as in retail sales with TARGET and TJ MAX. Martha will be greatly missed by all that know and love her.
She is survived by husband Joe, Deland, FL, sons Brian of Sanford, FL, and David and wife Carrie of Kansas City, MO, grandchildren Austin, Ellie and Brextin, Kansas City, MO; brother, Harry (Gloria) Robbins, Elkader and sister, Celia Proctor, Neosho, MO.
Preceded in death by her parents, John and Gladys Robbins; sister, Cleo Nightingale; brothers- in-law Dean Proctor and Dale Nightingale.
Visitation: 4 to 6 PM on Friday, December 20, 2019, at Peace United Church of Christ in Elkader and one hour before service time at the church on Saturday
Funeral: 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 21, 2019, at Peace United Church of Christ, Elkader with Rev. Jon Haack officiating
Inurnment: Will be held at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elkader is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com