Martha Matilda Mashek passed away in Sioux Falls, SD, on May 13, 2010 at the age of 96. She was born on February 27, 1914, in Winner, South Dakota to Oscar and Gertrude Haisch (Wheeler). She was the fifth of nine children and grew up as a ranchers daughter, many years of which were at the Mule Head Ranch near Bonesteel. She often recalled a happy childhood, spent doing chores from an early age but also playing and exploring with her brothers and sisters.

After graduating from high school in Fairfax, South Dakota in 1932, Martha married Emil Mashek on August 10, 1933. Together, they farmed and ranched near Fairfax and raised their family of six children, even through the challenges of the Depression and the Dust Bowl. Martha loved farm life and took pleasure from many of its routines, including milking, tending a large garden and putting up countless jars of whatever the seasons provided. She also loved life in her community, where she was a faithful member of the Homemakers Club, Royal Neighbors and the Fairfax High School Alumni group (in which she was recognized in 2009 for 77 years of membership). She also taught childrens Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years at Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfax. Following Calvary Baptists closing, she became a member of Hope United Church of Christ in Fairfax.

After she was widowed in 1963, Martha continued to live on her place and spent many years working as the local Avon representative. During those same years, she took numerous trips throughout the United States and abroad.

In retirement, Martha lived with her sister, Ruth, first in Fairfax and later in Canton, South Dakota. She also spent many happy winters in Arizona and made more friends among the snow birds there. She continued to enjoy hobbies of reading, crocheting, fishing, cards and, later in life, following the games of the Sioux Falls Canaries and the Minnesota Twins. No matter where she was, she always enjoyed a good visit over coffee.

Martha loved her family, her friends and especially the Lord Jesus. She loved to work, to help, to laugh. She reflected more than once that her life was happy and full. She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Clayton, William, Lloyd and Hollis (Curley); sisters Bernice Haisch, Helen Mae Anderson, Caroline Young and Ruth Haisch; and son, Harold (Gene). She is survived by sister-in-law Leigh Anne Haisch of Mitchell, South Dakota; children William (Carol) and Douglas (Lois) of Sioux Falls; James (Jenith) of Bartlesville, Oklahoma; Rosalee (Ames) Smith of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Garry (Collette) of Milton, Wisconsin; daughter-in-law Mary Mashek of Sioux Falls; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 am, Monday May 17th at Hope United Church of Christ in Fairfax, SD. The family will greet friends two hours prior to the service at the church.