Martha I. Thompson

Martha Iva Thompson, age 95, of Hastings, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2011 with her family at her side. \r
She was born in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin on March 4, 1916, the daughter of James and Myrtle (Heacock) Rider. Martha was the eldest of eight children. She married Johannes (John) Thompson in 1933. John and Martha moved to Michigan in 1950, where they raised their eight children. Martha was a stay at home mom, raising her children and caring for their home. She learned to drive after the death of her husband in 1964. In later years she worked at Keeler Brass, Baby Bliss, Thornapple Manor and owned and operated Hardy Dam Grocery Store for a number of years. Martha enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, going to auctions and reading. One of her most memorable vacations was to Ireland, where she ""Kissed the Blarney Stone"". Her thumb was as green as the Emerald Isle. She could take any leaf or twig and turn it into a vibrant healthy plant. \r
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John, infant son, Johannes, son, Ronald Thompson, daughters-in-law; Jackie and Bette Thompson, son-in-law, Frank Hirons, siblings and spouses; Frank (Lil) Rider, Raymond Rider, Ruth (Keith) Chaffee, Nancy (Hank)Yelken, Donna Rider, Burl Buckalew and other family members, too numerous to mention.\r
Martha is survived by her children; Art (Patty) Thompson of Texas, Vickie (Dave Neeson) Hirons of Hastings, Andy (Jackie) Thompson of Hardy Dam, MI and Yuma, AZ, Sandra Bowman of Hastings, Mike Thompson of Hastings, Randy Thompson of Hasting and Yuma, AZ, \r
24 grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, siblings; Jim (Peg) Rider of Scottville, Bud Rider of Newaygo, Maime Buckalew of Portage, sister-in-law, Mary Rider of Hastings, numerous nieces and nephews, Visitation will be held Thursday, March 10, 2011 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Girrbach Funeral Home, in Hastings.\r
Funeral services will be held, Friday, March 11, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Girrbach Funeral Home. Pastor Amy Luckey will be officiating the service. Burial at Riverside cemetery. \r
Memorial contributions may be made to the Residents of Magnum Care, 240 E. North St., Hastings, MI 49058. \r
Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Please visit our website to leave a message or memory to the family. (www.girrbachfuneralhome.net).