Martha Howard, a 60-year resident of Fortuna, was born in January of 1938, in Queens, New York. She went home to her Lord on June 5, 2023, after a serious heart condition. Martha spent her early years in St. Lewis, Mo. until her family moved to Long Beach, where her father, a skilled tool and die maker, worked in the Long Beach Naval shipyard during WWII. She remained there until her marriage. She was very active in her church youth group and participated in many short trips with the group. In 1958, she met the love of her life in the carpool she took to work. Charles and Martha were united in marriage in 1959. The young couple had two children, Janice Howard-Martin, and Charles Howard, II.

Martha was a joyful person and loved to have laughter and fun in her life. She worked part-time while her children were in their teens and dedicated the rest of her time to their pastimes. She planned fun activities for her family including summer dinner Picnics and swimming at Women’s Federated Grove (Four Fireplaces), camping at various state parks, and vacations throughout the western United States. In the couple’s retirement, they were able to travel to England to visit their son stationed there. She also enjoyed laughing and joking with her three treasured granddaughters.

She remained a devoted member of Christ Lutheran Church until her death. She served as a council member and enjoyed the Women’s group activities including sewing needed items for St. Luke’s Convalescent Home and making warm quilts for those in need. She loved knitting and her hands were constantly busy making socks and hats for the homeless. After working at College of the Redwoods, she decided to attend the college and continue her education. She graduated in 1982 from College of the Redwoods, with an Associate of Arts degree in business.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Howard, to whom she provided devoted care during his long illness with Alzheimer’s Disease; her parents Carl and Hilda; her brother and best childhood pal, Carl Edward; her sister in-law Kathy; and her brother in-laws, Wilbur Branch and James Howard. Her sister, Camille Branch, passed away two weeks after Martha.

Martha is survived by and will be missed by her younger brother John, and her children Janice Howard-Martin and Charles Howard, II. She will also be dearly missed by her three granddaughters Rebecca, Emily, and Rhiyon. She leaves behind her sisters and brothers by marriage who loved her as their own, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, her goddaughter and many dear family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 11 a.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 2132 Smith Lane, Fortuna, Pastor Paul Demant officiating. There will be a celebration of life at the church’s social hall following the service. Private interment beside her husband will be at Sunrise Cemetery, Fortuna. Cremation provided by Ayres Family Cremation, Eureka.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Martha’s name to Christ Lutheran Church, 2132 Smith Lane, Fortuna, CA 95540.

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