Obituary: Martha Griffin

May 9, 1918 - Nov. 7, 2013

Martha Griffin passed away at her home in Smith Valley to be with our Lord and many loved ones that had gone before her on Thursday evening, November 7, 2013.

Martha was 95 years “young”, was proud to be a 3rd generation Nevadan having been born in Reno, NV. She graduated from Reno High School and upon graduating from the University of Nevada in 1940 she took a teaching job at Smith Valley High School. Shortly after arriving in Smith Valley she met the love of her life, Robert “Bob”. They eloped on April 27, 1941 because at that time teachers were not allowed to be married. Bob joined the United States Air Force and Martha remained by his side as he was transferred from one base to the next. After Bob completed his military service they returned to Smith Valley where they dedicated their lives to raising their four children, agriculture and the community and church they loved.

Martha taught herself early in life how to sew and knit and her many beautiful quilts, scarves, hats and gloves will be deeply cherished by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many friends.

Martha served on numerous volunteer boards and committees but was most proud of her dedication to the Walker River Basin Communities Foundation of which she was a founding member. She was also committed to her faith and the Smith Valley United Methodist Church, which she attended for over 65 years.

We are all blessed to have had Martha in our lives and the difference she made in so many lives she touched will continue on for many years. She loved her family, friends and community and we are all better because of what she gave and taught each of us. She will be greatly missed and the void she leaves behind will be felt by many.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Budd & Vera Holcomb; her step-mother, Mabel Holcomb; husband, Robert; son, Bob; two grandsons, Dick and John Michael Stoddard; son-in-law, Mike Stoddard, and her sisters, Ellen, Kathryn & Marian.

Martha is survived by her three daughters, Cheryl Stoddard, Barbara Griffin (Jim Gunnell), Zoe DeVolld (Jim DeVolld); four grandchildren, Corey L. Rice, Nicole O’Banion (Todd), Rob Stoddard (Robin), Ashley DeVolld (August Klein); five great-grandchildren, Giovanni, Peyten, & Axel O’Banion and Michael & Alex Stoddard.

Services will be held 1:00 pm Thursday, November 14 at the Smith Valley United Methodist Church, 44 Rivers Road. Burial will be in the family plot at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Family and Friends are invited to sign her online guest book and leave messages for the family at www.FRFH.net, also sympathy cards may be sent directly to the family from this site.

Gifts may be made in Martha’s name to the Walker River Basin Communities Foundation, PO Box 442, Yerington, NV 89447 or Smith Valley United Methodist Church, Smith, NV.

Her family graciously wishes to thank all of Martha’s friends for your thoughtfulness and friendship. Martha cherished each of you.

Arrangements are under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, NV 89447 (775) 463-2911.