Martha Marie McNutt 1/31/1917 – 11/13/2005

Martha was born to Reinholt and Mary Grams on January 31, 1917 in Ritzville, WA. She was raised in wheat country with her brother and four sisters near Ralston, WA. Martha graduated from Ritzville High School in 1935. After meeting the love of her life, Robert M. McNutt deceased, they were married in Wenatchee, WA on October 22, 1938. Martha and her family moved from Ritzville, WA to Benton City, WA in 1957 and lived there until 1999. Martha then moved to a group home and finally Kennewick Life Care Center in Kennewick, WA until her death.

Since the early 1950’s Martha and Bob were well known in Washington State and nationally for their involvement and leadership in their favorite life-long activity of Square Dancing. Together they taught young and old alike both Square and Round Dancing through the early 1990’s. Martha was known for and took great pride in her unique hand-made square dance dresses.

Martha raised five children, two sons and three daughters, of whom she was very proud. She found the time to also work in retail at a local clothing store and drug store. She was active in the Democratic Party volunteering for many years at the polls during election time. In 1993 Martha and husband Bob were delighted to be honored as the Grand Marshals of the Benton City Daze parade for their years of community service in Benton City.

Martha never met a stranger. She was always eager to meet and talk with anyone who had the time. She was always ready with a kind word and winning smile. Her laughter was contagious and easily forthcoming, especially when her sisters got together.

Martha is preceded in death by Robert, her husband of nearly sixty years, and Dennis McNutt, her eldest son. She is survived by her children: Janet Bruce Wyborny of Reno, NV, Claudia Dennis Hibdon of Lakeville, MN, Patsy Larry Morgan of Richland, WA, Douglas Beverly McNutt of Federal Way, WA; her brother Adolph Jean Grams of Parkland, WA; her sisters Lavina Gross of Ritzville, WA, Olive Grams of Spokane, WA, Rita John Imler of Parkland, WA, Juanita Gil Sharp of Las Vegas, NV; nineteen grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Her family and friends will miss her immensely.

Special thanks to her caregivers at Kennewick Life Care Center, Dr. Pillai and the many others who cared for Martha over the years.

Viewing will be at Einan’s Funeral Home, Richland, WA on Thursday, November 17, 2005 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A memorial service will be held on November 18, 2005 at 11:00 AM at the First United Methodist Church in Benton City, WA.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, PO Box 2472, Spokane, WA 99210.