Martha Richardson

Martha Jane Richardson, 86, died April 29th, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa following a short illness. She was born August 6th, 1933 to William Wood Hartley and Dora Theresa (Sinn) Hartley in Sigourney, Iowa. Upon graduation from Sigourney High School in 1951, she married Dean Ellsworth Richardson Christmas day 1952 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Martha, Dean and their children moved many different places due to Dean’s occupation in the United States Forest Service.  In 1968 they purchased the What Cheer Lumber Company where she was co-owner and office manager. Throughout most of her life she was very involved in the Methodist Church where she participated in UMW, Operation Christmas Child making shoeboxes for children every year, the Friendship Company afterschool program, and the 4th of July ice cream social.  She was very passionate in donating and supporting the Holt International organization. She also attended sing-along every week at the Sigourney Manor House.

She enjoyed spending time with her children, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and attending their copious events.  She and her husband enjoyed traveling with their camper every winter to Texas for many years. They enjoyed scenic tours of the Mississippi river valley, and biking and canoeing in Lanesboro, Minnesota.

She is survived by her two daughters, Susan (Roger) Gassett of Cedar Rapids, Debra Poor of Cedar Rapids,and two sons, David (Janice Kerkove) Richardson of Cedar Rapids, and Dan (Dana) Richardson of Prescott, Iowa, eleven grandchildren and two-greatgranddaughters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, a brother William (Woody) Hartley, Mary (Hartley) Strong, and a niece Patricia Ingham.

A memorial service will be held later in the summer.