Martha Ann Bailey, 79, of Rimini, Montana (formerly of Selma, Iowa) passed away at her son’s home on March 9th, 2017.
She was born June 22, 1937 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to William B. and Martha M. Sickels.
Martha Ann grew up in Eldon, Iowa where she attended and graduated from Eldon High School. She lived many years in Selma, Iowa, then move to Rimini, Montana where she has been the past 8 years.
She spent many years traveling and doing research on her family genealogy. She collected rocks from all over, liked nature walks and reading. She always loved to spend time with family and friends.
Martha Ann is survived by her 3 children; Sherry (Robert) Olinger of Birmingham, IA, Jody (Allen) Balibaugh of Mount Pleasant, IA, Dan (Leann) Bailey of Rimini, MT; brother, John (Barb) Sickels of Douds, IA; five grandchildren, Glen, Cody, Virgilia, Joshua and Noah; 4 great grandchildren, Harmony, Jeremiah, Dakota and Natalee Adell.
She is preceded in death by her parents, infant brother, Murl Lee, Orville and Charles Sickels and one sister, Louella Tweedy.
A service celebrating Martha’s life will be held on Friday, March 17th at 1:00 p.m. at Life Covenant Church, 800 N. Hoback St., Helena, MT 59601. A viewing will take place at the church starting at noon. Per Martha Ann’s request cremation will follow. The spreading of ashes will be done privately. In lieu of flowers the family requests any memorials in Martha’s name be sent to DAV, 3633 Veterans Dr. PO Box 189 Fort Harrison, MT 59636.
Christine Romine says
We will miss you Aunt Punky. My mom Marida misses you so much already. Angels be with you on your journey
Christine, Robert Romine, Marida Sickels, Rob and Sherry Romine
Murl L. Sickels says
There comes a day when we all have to leave but with that day there is sadness and tears. Aunt Punky will be missed by so many of us. The memories you gave to us will always be treasured. The long talks we had and the laughs and giggles the serious talks and even the tears we shed together will always be in my heart. Some day we will meet again and that will be a Great Day. But I know I sure am gonna miss my Aunt Punky Hugs and that beautiful smile and that soft voice. I love you Aunt Punky. Until we meet again
Love Murl Lee & Jenny
Cody & Shalayla
Madiie
Deborah Surbaugh says
Aunt Punky always had a lovely smile that lit up a room. She also had a playful twinkle in her eyes. I’m sure she will be watching over my dad until he passes to the spiritual realm. Thank you Aunt Punky for being an example of overcoming tough circumstances! Love and prayers to the family!
Kaye Sickels Gilbert says
Thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time
YALANDA JOAN SUMNER, GARRETT says
I WAS SADDENED TO SEE THAT MARTHA ANN HAD PASSED AWAY. SHE WAS ONE OF MY FIRST CHILDHOOD FRIENDS. MARTHA WAS
ABOUT A YEAR OLDER THAN ME AND WE LIVED A BLOCK APART IN ELDON, IA. OUR MOTHERS WOULD WRITE NOTES TO EACH OTHER ASKING IF IT WAS ALRIGHT FOR THEIR DAUGHTERS TO VISIT EACH OTHER. I’M SURE WE HAD TO DO SOME COAXING TO GET THAT TO
HAPPEN. ANYWAY I REMEMBER THOSE HAPPY SUMMER DAYS. WHEN WE GREW OLDER AND BOTH MARRIED WE LOST TRACK OF EACH
OTHER BUT I HAVE ALWAYS REMEMBERED MY YOUNG FRIEND. CONDOLENCES TO MARTHA ANN’S FAMILY.