Martha Hiebert

MARTHA MILDRED KLASSEN HIEBERT, of Newton, died December 24, 2011 at Kidron Bethel Nursing Home in North Newton.

She was born on December 23, 1920 in Newton, the daughter of Detrick and Tina Schmidt Klassen. She attended schools in Newton, graduating from Newton High School. Martha helped in her dad’s florist business, Klassen Greenhouse. She later followed her boyfriend Marion L. Hiebert and they were married in Wenatchee, Washington on August 17, 1943.

Martha and Marion moved to Tampa, Florida, where their oldest daughter Marci was born in November 10, 1944. After Marion was discharged from the military, they returned to Newton. Their second daughter, Susan, was born in October 11, 1947. They lost a 14 month old baby boy in 1952, then in September 20, 1957, a daughter Anita was born.

Martha was a lifelong member of the First Mennonite Church. She had worked at the Ramada Inn Restaurant in Newton and the Hesston Colonial House. She enjoyed blooming flowers and collecting pencils for which she was a member of the American Pencil Collectors Society. Martha also enjoyed pulling a trailer to camp in and was a member of Good Sam’s Camping Club.

Survivors include her three daughters, Marci Schmidt and partner, Steve Polson, of Wichita, Susan and Jerry Royer of Topeka, and Anita and Larry Harder of Newton; three grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three step-great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents; husband Marion on June 5, 1995; and son Gerald Eugene Hiebert.

Graveside and interment services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Friday, December 30, 2011 at the Greenwood Cemetery in Newton.

Memorial services will follow at the First Mennonite Church at 11:00 A.M.

A memorial has been established with Kidron Bethel, contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, Ks. 67114.

Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.