Martha Rosella Marie Johnston was born December 12, 1913, in rural Cloud County, Kansas, to Estella (Andrews) and Arthur Johnston, and died Wednesday, March 5, 2003, at the Jewell County Hospital Long-term Care, at the age of 89 years. 2 months, and 23 Days.
Martha grew up in the Cloud County community and graduated from Manhattan High School. She was united in marriage with Frank M. Dempsey, on May 25, 1957, at the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Concordia, Kansas. They settled on a farm in Jewell County south of Montrose.
A rural homemaker and talented artist, Martha, received recognition on numerous occasions for her oil painting of Kansas life. A member of the Montrose United Methodist Church, she was also active with the E.H.U. and the Paradise Club. In January 1986, Martha and Marr moved to Mankato where she resided until her passing.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Marlin Max; son, John Victor; and all eleven of her Johnston siblings- brothers: Earl, Otto, Edwin, James, Arthur, and Albert; sisters: Clare, Myrth, Eloise, Margaret, and Mildred.
Survivors include her living husband, Frank Marr Dempsey of Mankato; daughter, Martha Jane and husband Dale Gcmaelich of Woodland Park, Colorado: son, John Richard and wife, Pat Dempsey of Melbourne, Florida; eight grandchildren - Rene Baumholser, Kathy Bennett, Jon Cunningham, Patrick Cunningham, Brian Murray, Shannon Lindsey, Cary Dempsey, and Justin Dempsey; and nine great-grandchildren - Heather Baumholscr, Jenna Maginnis, Jon Cunningham, Shawna Cunningham, Cora Lee Cunningham, Brent Murray, Charlee Lindsey, and Hannah Lindsley.
Funeral services for Martha R. Dempsey, were held Friday, March 7, 2003, at 1:30 p.m., at the Montrose United Methodist Church, rural Mankato, Kansas, With Pastor Terry Mayhew officiating. Music was provided by Susan Harper, pianist, and Terry Christensen, soloist. Casket bearers were: Lee Lindsey, Justin Dempsey, Brian Murray, Cary Dempsey, Dan Dempsey, and Wayne Dempsey. Honorary casket bearers were: Jim Odette, Richard Odette, Richard Russell, and Jack Sills. Interment was in the Pleasant View Cemetery, rural Mankato, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to Jewell County Hospital Long-term Care, Mankato, Kansas.
Melbv Mortuary Mankato Kansas was in charge of arrangements.