Martha L. Rooney, 81, of Webb City, Mo., formerly of Columbus died at 9:32 p.m., Sunday, December 18, 2022, at Webb City Health and Rehab. Born September 24, 1941, in rural Bartlett, Martha Lou was the daughter of Merle Wayne and Grace Marie (Davis) Tomey. They preceded her in death. Martha was also preceded in death by one son, Steven W. Rooney, July 11, 2011.
As a young girl, Martha grew up on a farm three miles north of Bartlett and attended Bartlett Grade School. She enjoyed being a part of the Rainbow Girls, a Masonic organization for girls. While a student at Labette County Community High School, she played the clarinet.
After graduating from high school in 1958, she attended Pittsburg State University for a time. For 29 years, Martha worked at the Cherokee County Courthouse, where she was a court clerk.
Martha had been a member of the Assembly of God Church in Chetopa. She was also a member of the Beta Tau sorority and the Lady Elks for which she served as an officer. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. She loved to dance and was known to dance to every song that was played. A talented cook and baker, Martha’s specialties included fudge and peanut brittle. Martha also enjoyed nature and was an avid bird watcher.
Martha and Charles W. Rooney were united in marriage June 14, 1958, He survives of the home.
In addition to her husband, Martha is survived by her son, Mark W. Rooney (wife, Shawnee) of Grove, Okla.; daughter , Krista Crowder (husband, John) of Carl Junction, Mo; eleven grandchildren, Travis Rooney, Nick Rooney, Seth Rooney, Rance Rooney, Kayla Rooney, Corey Rooney, Jennifer Spicer, Kara Ogle, Mariah Heckman, Beau Crowder, and Natalee Crowder. Thirteen great-grandchildren, Tanner, Britni, Olivia, Jaden, Bella, Amelia, Coralie, Cooper, Jaxon, Connor, Nash, Navy and Memphis; four sisters, Mildred Blackledge of Chetopa, Irma Albin (husband, Frank) of Grove, Okla., Marlene McCoy of Commerce, Okla. and Dorothy Martinez of Salt Lake City, Utah Friends may call from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday December 27 to sign the register.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 28 in the Community Bible Church in Chetopa. The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will take place at the Lake Creek Cemetery in Bartlett.
Memorials are suggested to the Community Bible Church. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS 67336.
Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman. com.