Martha Irene (Smith-Williams) Gaither |
| Posted 2021-10-25 by mhenderson |
| Published by The Miner on Oct. 23, 2021 - Kingman, Arizona - Martha “Marty” Irene Gaither (née Smith/Williams) died peacefully at Joan & Diana Hospice Home on Sept. 26, 2021 in Kingman, Arizona. Marty is survived by her husband Jerry Gaither of Kingman, Arizona; Children, Michael Williams (Denise) of Elma, Washington and Vicki Lockhart of Downey, California; Stepchildren, Jay Gaither (Marianne) of Anaheim, California and Jim Gaither (Tracey) of Yorba Linda, California; Sister Annette Pasco of Norwalk, California; Grandchildren, Derek, Kara, Lori, Nate, Alycia, Jade, Dane, James, Larz, Jeremy and Jennifer; Great- grandchildren, Stacia, Makela, Alex, Jessica, Lathan, Carson, Kian, James, Jesse, Josie, Chandler, Everly, Logan, Jeffrey, Bridget and Elijah. She is preceded in death by her parents Forest Smith and Juanita Austin; stepfather Gilbert Springer of Downey; and her son Jamie Williams (Dana) of Anaheim, California. Marty was born on Dec. 28, 1935, in Blue Township, Missouri to Forest Smith and Juanita Austin. She graduated from Downey High School in 1954. She married Jim Williams, her high school sweetheart, in 1954. The couple welcomed three children into their home. Jim and Marty divorced in 1970. Marty married Jerry Gaither April 8, 1978, in Anaheim, California. This union added two more children to the family. Marty and Jerry relocated to Norco, California where they raised horses, chickens and pigs for four years. After moving to Parker, Arizona, she became active in the community involving herself in the Elks lodge, scholarship fund raising, Score off road race, rodeo, boat racing events and many other community activities. After her retirement from the grocery industry and Jerry’s retirement from the city of Parker they relocated to Williams, Arizona where she continued to be involved with the Elks lodge and in many community activities. The winters finally convinced her to move to a warmer climate and they moved their retirement down the hill to Kingman, Arizona. Once in Kingman she continued to be involved in the community with memberships in the Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge and VFW. Marty was an active and dedicated member of these organizations and volunteered at many community events over the years. Marty was a generous, witty, and dedicated individual who loved her husband, family and friends, and who was passionate about her relationships with everyone she was in contact with. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Oct. 30, 2021, at Rose Hills Memorial Park, 3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, California, with a reception to follow at 19581 Crestknoll, Yorba Linda, California. Jay Gaither will officiate the ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marty’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Kingman Elks Lodge #468 in care of Martha Gaither at 900 Gates Ave., Kingman, AZ., 86401. The family would like to thank Kingman Regional Hospital staff and caregivers, Dr. Joe Sungnam and his staff, Dr. Kalanithi and his staff, and a special thanks to Joan & Diana Hospice Home and staff for their unwavering compassion to make an individual comfortable in their last hours. |
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