Martha Williams Obituary

Martha Irene Williams, known to her family as "Marvelous Martha", 90, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, May 5th, 2022.

Martha was born March 20th, 1932, in Osborne, Kansas, the daughter of Ralph Otis and Frances Rebecca (LaRosh) Taylor. She graduated from Osborne High School in 1950 and received a full scholarship to Stephens College. Martha graduated with a bachelor's degree from the University of Kansas.

Martha married A.L. Williams, Jr. on January 15th, 1973 in Topeka. He preceded her in death on January 11th, 2016. Survivors include her children, Mark (Alexandra) McFarland of Lawrence, Scott McFarland (Leslie) of Lawrence, and Kathleen (David) Heit of Topeka; grandchildren Lindsay Muzzy, Joseph Ritchie, Kyle McFarland, Calvin Heit, Lucas Heit, and Morgan Heit; great-grandchildren William Muzzy, Elliott Muzzy, and Evey Ritchie. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Laurie N. Ritchie.

Martha enjoyed a career at Brewster Place and Mission Towers serving as a director in both organizations. She also worked as a personal administrator at Forbes Air Base and a school teacher in Kansas City, MO.

Living a life in faith and service to others, Martha was a member of the Countryside United Methodist Church of Topeka. She was an active member of PEO for 55 years and a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed volunteering for CASA, the Native American Center, and the VA. Martha was a Girl Scout Troop Leader for each of her daughters and spent 25 years as a "Swim Team Mom."

Time with family and friends brought Martha the most joy. She planned special events with grandchildren, family dinners, tea or bridge with friends, and afternoon drives with her caregiver, Elaine Dobson. She was loyal fan of the Kansas City Chiefs and never missed the opportunity to wave the wheat with her beloved KU Basketball team.

A memorial ceremony will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, May 18th at Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Road in Topeka. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, May 17th at Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Road in Topeka. Private interment will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Countryside United Methodist Church, 3221 SW Burlingame Rd, Topeka, KS. 66611 or CASA of Shawnee County, 501 SE Jefferson -Street #2002, Topeka, KS. 66607.

Dove Cremations and Funerals Southwest Chapel is assisting the family.

To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.DoveTopeka.com.