Martha Marie Arnold Holton
Martha Marie Arnold Holton, 82, of Midland, passed away on Friday, July 11, 2014, surrounded by her family. Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 14, 2014, at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Midland. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park with Dr. Steve Schorr and Rev. Mary Beth Anton officiating.
Martha was born on July 29, 1931, in Vernon,to Robert Benton Arnold and Elizabeth Rainwater Arnold. She graduated from Oklaunion High School in 1948 and then went to Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, and graduated in 1952. After college, she moved to Midland and taught physical education at Cowden Junior High School for four years. She met the love of her life, Walter Bonnell Holton, Jr., in Midland and married him in Oklaunion on July 14, 1956, at First Baptist Church. They lived in Mobile, Ala., for a year, and then moved back to Midland. Martha and Walt had three children: Tamara Jo Holton, born in Mobile, Ala, on Oct. 6, 1957; George VanSyckel Holton, born in Midland on April 18, 1960, and Robert Bonnell Holton, born in Midland on Jan. 12, 1963.
Martha was a faithful wife, mother, and Mema. She enjoyed spending time with her family and supporting them in everything they did. She loved being a part of her kids’ and grandkids’ activities; everyone who spent any time with the family knew and loved Mema. She was active in PTA and First Presbyterian Church, where she loved to volunteer and entertain the staff. There was always a smile on her face, a joke and a tune to share, and enough Cheetos and Mr. Goodbars in her kitchen to feed an army. She had a loving heart and a mischievous smile, and everyone who met her couldn’t help but love her.
She is survived by her children, Tammy Smith and husband, Bill Smith, of Midland; Van Holton and wife, Pattye, of Pagosa Springs, Colo.; Robert Holton of Midland; and her grandchildren, Will Smith and wife, Casey; Elizabeth Smith and fiancé, Bryan Wilson, all of Midland; Sam Holton and Vanna Holton, both of Lubbock; one brother, Bobby Gene Arnold and wife, Mary, of Vernon, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter B. Holton, Jr., her parents, and three brothers.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be donated to First Presbyterian Church, 800 W. Texas, Midland, TX, 79701; Hospice Midland, PO Box 2621, Midland, TX, 79702, or the charity of your choice.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.
