Martha Dearborn

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Visitation Schedule
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
Sunday, July 19, 2015
2:00-4:00P.M.
Service Schedule
Trinity United Methodist Church
1101 N. Mississippi Street
Little Rock, AR  72207
Monday, July 20, 2015
2:30 P.M.
Cemetery
Pinecrest Memorial Park
7401 Hwy 5 N.
Alexander, AR  72002
Martha Dearborn

July 16, 2015


Martha Evelyn Brandt Dearborn, affectionately known as Marty, passed on from her physical life on Thursday, July 16, 2015, just five days prior to her 91st birthday. She was blessed to have all her children and several grandchildren visit her before her death. She was in the loving presence of family members when she made her transition.
Born July 21, 1924 to Alfred and Ethel Brandt in Ralston, IA, Marty graduated from Jefferson (IA) High School before enrolling at Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa, where she met the love of her life, Frederick Madison Dearborn. After a year at Graceland, Marty attended nurses' training in Independence, MO. She married Fred in 1944 and was a devoted, loving wife throughout their 64 year marriage.
Marty has six surviving children: Fred Jr. and wife Karen, Apple Valley, CA; Nancy, Cedar Rapids, IA and Sun City, AZ; Dan, Santa Fe, NM; John and wife Cindy, Little Rock, AR; Jane and husband John Sullivan, Jackson, WY and Steve, Steamboat Springs, CO. An infant son, both parents, four brothers, one sister and her husband, Fred preceded her in death. Marty had a large, loving family and leaves a legacy of 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, who all try to emulate her great qualities.
A long- time resident of the Foxcroft neighborhood in West Little Rock, Marty moved to Woodland Heights in 2008 after Fred's death. In her early years at Woodland Heights, Marty was very involved in greeting new residents and making them feel at home, traits she was known for her entire life. Marty was blessed with many friends. All who knew her loved her for her gracious hospitality and genuine interest in others. She was a loving, unselfish person, always wanting to give to others. She was known for her hospitality, cooking and baking skills and she was always willing to go the extra mile to invite guests for meals and overnight stays, both at her Little Rock home and at the family's beloved vacation home near Lake Ouachita.
Music was a large part of Marty's life. She learned to play piano as a child and provided piano lessons for her children. Recorded music was always playing in her home and she entertained visitors by playing the piano and singing. Just days before her death, she played piano for visiting family members. When the family lived in Iowa and Illinois, Marty was the church pianist and organist at her church. She played piano while husband Fred sang.
For those wishing to say a final good-bye to this lovely lady, visitation will be at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock on Sunday, July 19 from 2-4 p.m. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday, July 20 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 1101 N. Mississippi, Little Rock. A private interment will precede the service.
Memorials can be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or the charity of one's choice. Marty's love and generous spirit will live on forever in those whose lives she touched. She will be greatly missed.

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8 Condolence(s)
Carol Mink
Tulsa, OK
Liked
Tuesday, November 17, 2015

So very sorry to learn of Aunt Marty's death. She and Uncle Fred were very special people. I always enjoyed hearing from her at Christmas with all of news of her family. John and I send our late but heartfelt condolences to all of her children and grandchildren. Feeling regretful that I hadn't been touch to let her know that we loved her and have some wonderful memories of time spent in Arkansas when they were wonderful hosts.

DW
Cordova, TN
Liked
Thursday, July 30, 2015

So sorry for your loss. May the words spoken at John 5:28,29 be of comfort to your family at this time.

Georgiana Soderberg
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Marty was one who personified the word "nice". I only knew her for a few years but she will forever be in my memory. She loved her family and felt blessed to have such loving children and grandchildren. I am sure you all feel blessed to have had her for a mother. I know I am blessed to have known her.

Buster Beardsley
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 19, 2015

What a delightful person. Fred and Marty were always uplifting with their music and humor. Billie and I are thankful they came our way. May God's healing hand be laid on all of the family and love ones that are grieving from her loss.
God bless,
Buster & Billie Beardsley

Pam Wardlaw Cathey
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 19, 2015

I had the pleasure of meeting this precious lady at Woodland Heights. She and my Dad became good friends and we were all very sad when Dad had to move to another facility. Your Mom was delightful and so caring. My thoughts are with the entire family and may you find comfort in your many cherished memories.

Joyce McCasland
Little Rock, AR
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Sunday, July 19, 2015

I am proud to have met this lady...

Jerry McIntyre
Little Rock, AR
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Sunday, July 19, 2015

Marty and Fred were my Foxcroft neighbors for many years prior to Fred's death. It was one of the luckiest things that has ever happened to me to have moved into the neighborhood and across the street from these two special people. They set an example for how people should raise their family, live their lives, and treat everyone with dignity and grace. We have all been made richer for having known Marty and Fred. Jerry McIntyre

George Vesely
Scottsdale, AZ
Liked
Saturday, July 18, 2015

Dan, John, and the entire Dearborn Family. Please accept Jane and my sincere condolences.
George and Jane Vesely