Martha Louise Holder

If in the stillness of Monday morning, the world seemed inexplicably short of a sweet, calming, God focused and family centered grace, it was sadly explicable: Martha Louise (Herald) Holder, one of the most pleasant natured, loving and dedicated women lost her two-and-a-half year battle with Pancreatic Cancer.

Martha retired in 1997 from 1st National Bank after 35 years. Following her assiduous career, she enjoyed being a member of Fellowship Lutheran Quilters.

For Martha, quilts are about women in relationships. She and her quilting group produced finely crafted works which reflected the lives and the emotions stitched into these quilts. They speak to us, telling visual stories more than potent words. The quilts brighten the grayness of everyday life. The essence of their forms, colors, designs, and patterns expresses true artistic and divine inspiration. We believe that those who make things with their hands understand life in a different way.

This is most evident in Martha as she shepherded a boisterous, gregarious, fun loving family. Her calm, sweet all knowing smile, and laughter brought joy, love, support to her husband of 60 years, Raymond A Holder; six children and their spouses: Cathy and Brent Smith, Rick and Holbrook Holder, Linda Stemmons and Gary Ackerman, Randy Holder, Rob and Julie Holder, Roger and Becky Holder; seventeen grandchildren: Matt and Britni Smith, Brandon Smith, Casey Smith, Marcie Smith, Michael Smith, Alex Holder, Madison Holder, Merritt Webb, Clayton Webb, Cameron Holder, Riley Holder, Sydney Holder, Ryan Holder, Russell Holder, Megan Holder, Reese Holder, Ross Holder; brothers: Bob, John and Jim Herald.

For those who love them, every quilt is a profound fragment of history and is as precious as an old letter or faded family photograph, a vivid link to our past. Quilts produced by Martha’s loving hands are a most tangible link between her deep dedication to her family and friends and the reminder to our future-which with God’s blessing will also be bright, honest and crafted.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 6, from 6-8 p.m at Schaudt-Teel Funeral Home located at 5757 S. Memorial. Services will be at Fellowship Lutheran Church located at 6727 S. Sheridan Rd. on Thursday, May 7, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Martha to Clarehouse and Fellowship Lutheran Quilters.