Martha B. Blackford

July 23, 2023

Martha B. Blackford

Service Details

Martha B. Blackford, 86, passed away peacefully the morning of Sunday, July 23, 2023. Martha was born June 23, 1937, in Des Moines to Pate and Clara (Sortor) Stevens. She was the youngest of eight siblings, and she was the last member of her generation to pass.

Martha graduated from Lincoln High School in Des Moines. Martha married Jack Blackford on April 16, 1957, and they spent more than six decades together in loving partnership. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, cherishing time spent with family.

Martha worked at three places during her lifetime: The Lincoln Theatre, Ashton Wholesale, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where she retired from after more than 30 years of service. She was proud to say that she worked in every department at the health insurer, except Claims.

Martha was a member of Wakonda Christian Church. Her faith and spiritual relationship overlapped her fondness for playing cards, as best recited by Tex Ritter in “The Deck of Cards”, a poetic song Martha often quoted.

Martha loved playing cards with her brothers and sisters and passed the art of the game down to her son and grandchildren. She loved playing all sorts of games with her grandchildren and ensured they learned to appreciate winning fair and square.

Whether it was a cross country road trip or a cruise, Martha loved to travel and explored all but two of our 50 states.

Martha is survived by her son, Jack (Becky); grandchildren, Tyrel (DeAnndra) and Cara (Tim) Sheets; great-grandchildren, Ellizabeth and Klaire Blackford, and Wyatt and Callen Sheets; as well as a host of other loving family and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack.

A celebration of life will be held at Wakonda Christian Church on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation one hour prior.

In loving memory of Martha, memorial contributions may be directed to JDRF Greater Iowa or Wakonda Christian Church. Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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