Martha Gordon

Martha Louise Gordon, age 88, of Lamar, passed away Saturday, February 11, 2012 at Truman Healthcare Center.      Martha was born May 22, 1923, near Sheldon, Missouri, one of the nine children of Marion and Minnie (Duggins) George.  She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers including a stillborn infant, Les, Ray and Sam George; and four sisters, Velma Garwood, Margaret Lightner, Ellen Bowker, and Ruth Holland; and a granddaughter, Sheila (Gordon) Mayfield.      On February 15, 1941, at Bronaugh, Missouri, Martha married Willis Gordon and to this union six children were born.  After moving to Lamar in 1973, Martha worked at several retail businesses including Lilly's, Snoopers, Walmart, Hites, and Marti's.  Many will remember her for the cooking skills she brought to Barton County Memorial Hospital, Phoebe's Nursing Home, McCune Brooks Hospital and Lamar Country Club.  She also owned and operated the Downtown Cafe in Jasper, renowned for her homemade pies.  Martha enjoyed quilting and was a charter member of the "George Sisters Club."  She was baptized in the Jasper Baptist Church and was a longtime active member of Lamar Christian Church.  Martha was a devoted mother, a hard worker, and a true friend to many.      Survivors include four sons and their wives, Jerry & Lura Gordon, Jasper, Gary & Patricia Gordon, Carthage, Bob & Peggy Gordon and Ron & Soni Gordon, all of Claremore, Oklahoma; two daughters, Janet Gordon and Betty Dennis, both of Lamar; a sister-in-law, Lucille George, Iola, Kansas; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and a large extended family.      Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 14th at Daniel Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time.  Burial will be in Sheldon Cemetery.      Memorial contributions are suggested to the Truman Healthcare Center Alzheimer's Unit.