Rita Jone Martin, 81, of Ottumwa, died at 10:40 a.m. April 22, 2022 at Ridgewood Specialty Care in Ottumwa.
She was born June 8, 1940 in Oskaloosa to Leigh and Margaret Connor Stein. She married Clair A. Martin June 11, 1960 and he preceded her in death February 16, 2011.
A graduate of What Cheer High School and Parsons College, she taught for a short time at Farson School as well as was a substitute teacher at Hedrick Schools. Jone helped her husband, Clair on the farm. She had also worked for Seifert’s Clothing and Tarkum Furniture.
She had been an active member of First Christian Church where she had served as a board member and board chair. She also sang in the choir. She was currently a member of Davis Street Christian Church where she also sang in the choir. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Ottumwa Community Players.
Surviving are her two children, Lesa (Karol) Kirkpatrick of Bloomfield and Paul (Becky) Martin of Nichols, IA; four grandchildren, Kyle (Chelsea) Kirkpatrick, Kris Kirkpatrick (Jami Hanson), Emma Martin and Elli Martin; five great grandchildren, Kayden, Kolbie, Kord, Kenzie and Kalvin.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Her body has been cremated. Visitation with her family present to greet friends will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28th at Reece Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Davis Street Christian Church.
