Martha Waters

Martha Irene Shifflett Waters

Martha Waters, a long time resident of Atlantic, Iowa, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at the Heritage House in Atlantic at the age of 93. Martha Irene Shifflett was born on August 30, 1922, to Grant and Mary (Compton) Shifflett in Ringgold County, Iowa. Martha attended Cottonwood Country School through 8th grade in Ringgold County, Iowa, and then in 1936, she attended Diagonal High School and graduated in 1940. Growing up she worked for her dad on the farm.

Martha attended Iowa State Teachers College, now known as University of Northern Iowa in 1940, and received a 2 year associate’s degree in elementary education. In the fall of 1942, to spring of 1943, she secured her first teaching job in Beaconsfield, Iowa teaching the primary and first grades. In the fall of 1943, Martha taught at Sheldahl, Iowa again teaching primary and first grade. The fall of 1944, she moved to Atlantic and taught kindergarten at Jackson School through 1947, then taught third grade until 1950.

She married John Joseph Waters on December 28, 1948, and two children were born to this union, Michael Eugene Waters and Teresa Mary Waters-Noland. They resided in Atlantic their entire married life. In the fall of 1950, she taught 2nd grade at Grant School until May of 1952. In the 50’s she worked in the Deere Little shop, Westman’s apparel, the highway commission office and sent monthly statements for Dr. Einer Juel and Dr. Dwain Wilcox. In 1956, she taught the kindergarten class at Grant School to finish the year out for a teacher. She continued to do substitute teaching at Lincoln school in the first grade.

Martha was a member of the First United Methodist church holding several offices within the church. She was a member of Naomi, Dorcas and Sarah Circles of the United Methodist Women, taught Sunday school, helped with vacation bible school, recipient of the Valiant Lady award from the Methodist church in 2006, Brownie Scout Leader, Life member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority since 1945, member of the Department of Women's Club, Hobby Club & Child Psychology Club, Washington School P.T.A., Heritage House guild, member of the Cass County Hospital Auxiliary and volunteer, PEO Sisterhood Chapter MU, and a volunteer at the Atlantic food pantry. She thoroughly enjoyed her time volunteering for worthwhile organizations.

Martha was an avid reader and loved to read poetry. She enjoyed flowers and gardening, baking and canning, her bird collection, refinishing family heirloom furniture and having coffee or lunch with friends. She had a love for animals, especially horses. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, nurturing them and noting their achievements from childhood to adulthood. Martha and her great-grandson Ryder Mason adored each other and had a unique bond. She enjoyed seeing her former students who left an imprint on her life around Atlantic. Her guide through life was her bible and her faith in her creator. Martha is grateful to have lived in the Heritage House community since 2007, enjoying new friends, activities and the caring and friendly staff.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and husband, John Waters. Those left to cherish Martha’s memory are her son, Michael E. Waters of Council Bluffs; daughter, Teresa (Carey) Noland of Adair; grandchildren, Sarah (Landon) Keim of Earlham, Andrew (Daniella) Noland of Lorimor and Matthew Noland of Adair; great-grandson, Ryder Noland of Lorimor; special nieces and nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.

Open visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Saturday, October 10th and from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 11th at Roland Funeral Home. The family will greet friends on Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Roland's.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Monday, October 12, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, with Reverend Melissa Warren officiating. Burial will be in Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Atlantic.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Heritage House Good Samaritan Fund, or the Atlantic Public Library.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Martha's family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

IN REMEMBRANCE

Martha Irene Waters
BORN
August 30, 1922 ~ Ringgold County, Iowa

DIED
October 6, 2015 ~ Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of
93 years, 1 month and 6 days

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 a.m.
Monday, October 12, 2015
First United Methodist Church ~ Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIANT
Reverend Melissa Warren

SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 23 & 121
John 14: 1-7

PIANIST
Jodi Greiner

MUSICAL SELECTIONS
“Precious Lord, Take My Hand” by Congregation #474
“Because He Lives” by Congregation #364

“The Lord’s Prayer”
“Hymn of Promise”
by Jonelle Ruffing and Rich Perry

CASKET BEARERS
Dr. Keith Leonard
Paul Price
Charles Ruffing
Dick Hensley
Jack Sickles
Rich Perry

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Jonelle Ruffing
Linda Marek
Nedra Perry
Beverly Bennett

INTERMENT
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Cemetery ~ Atlantic, Iowa

The family invites you to join them for a luncheon in the
fellowship hall following services at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Atlantic, Heritage House Good Samaritan Fund or the Atlantic Public Library.