Martha J. Smith

         Martha was born in Sewell, Iowa to Loyal and Elva (Moats) Cherryholmes on April 1, 1923. She passed away, August 5, 2018,  at 95 years of age. Martha had seven siblings and was raised in the Cambria area.

          In 1945, she was united in marriage to Charles Smith of Russell, Iowa. They farmed north of town. She enjoyed raising two daughters on the farm. Gardening, raising chickens, canning and all the things to do with farm life was how they lived life.

          Since Russell was the place that Charlie and Martha loved, they had bought a retirement home on Smith Street. They enjoyed (City) life, taking care of her home and their cute little dog, “Sugar”. Martha’s love of luring cats to her back door was an everyday occurrence. They did seem to accumulate.

          Martha was blessed to have her sister and best friend, Francis Prather, live right beside her in Russell. They shared a special relationship, we all should be lucky to have.

          Her daughter, Carol stopped in daily and they would catch up on all the Russell gossip. They had a wonderful, warm, close mother-daughter relationship.

          Martha is survived by her two daughters, Linda Cain (Republic, MO) and Carol Swigart (Chariton, IA); five grandchildren, Brenden Cain, Kim Allen, Angela Hejduk, Chris Swigart and Cory Swigart and many great grandchildren; her sister, Francis Prather and brother, Burl Cherryholmes and many nieces and nephews.

          Martha’s life in Russell was complete with love from friends and family. The family has arranged graveside services at the Russell Cemetery.

          Together again, Charlie and Martha, plus little “Sugar”. Just like they would have wanted it. God speed, Mom and Dad.

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