90
Sioux Falls, SD
November 15, 2021
Martha was born in Ashton, Iowa and spent the first years of her long life on a farm. When she was a little girl her family moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa, where her father Walter Haack owned and operated a gas station on the northeast corner of town known as Haack’s corner. Martha loved her wholesome life growing up in Rock Rapids. She was extremely popular and apart from being a top-notch student, participated in the school’s drama department and was a talented member of her high school’s marching band. It was there she developed a lifelong love of music and dancing.
After high school Martha tried living in Los Angeles and on a farm near Crooks before settling in Sioux Falls in 1974. Her uncanny ability with numbers landed her the job of head bookkeeper for Fusfield’s Clothing store. After Fusfield’s closed Martha worked at the Sioux Valley Hospital’s day care center.
In 1977, Martha met the love of her life Ray Thomas. They married and spent 27 very happy years together. They traveled all over the U.S. and abroad, shared a love of dancing and encouraged each other’s hobbies, which for Martha was her extensive doll collection and exercising her very green thumb. Martha could always grow the most beautiful flowers and always had an enviable flower garden. Ray passed away in 2004 but Martha would continue working in her yard and garden.
She is survived by her son John Gibson, daughter-in-law Angie; son Wendell Peterson; her grandchildren Jacob, Calum and Alana Gibson; and her brother Norman Haack and sister-in-law Margie.
Martha’s sweet, quiet and caring demeanor is remembered by everyone who knew her. She will be sorely missed by all her family and friends.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Arrangements provided by Miller Funeral Home