Susan D. Martin, 76, of Fairfield, IA passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney, IA. As were her wishes, her body has been cremated. A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite racing attire or the color purple in her memory. Memorial contributions in Susan’s honor may be directed to Noah’s Ark of Jefferson County in memory of her love for animals and mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, IA 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Susan Diane Martin was born on June 12, 1948, in Fairfield, IA to Max and Vivian Rodibaugh Madden. She was a lifelong resident of Jefferson County and graduated with the Fairfield High School Class of 1966. Susan spent several years working in bookkeeping and accounting for several local car dealerships. In 1982 she began working at the Nelson Nursing Home in Fairfield where she served as their Activities Director until its closing. She then went on to work for Indian Hills Workforce Development and finally as the Senior Citizens Center Manager in Fairfield for 10 years. She had a servant’s heart and spent most of her career caring for the elderly. Susan was the proud mother of two boys, Rob and Thad. She enjoyed living the farm life for many years while she was raising her children. As her family grew with the addition of grandchildren and great grandchildren Susan made sure to follow and support their activities.
She was an avid racing fan and LOVED sprint car racing. In her early years, Susan spent many years at Knoxville Raceway, “pit crewing” on a family-owned sprint car. She always said, “Fast cars don’t have fenders!” She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially cats and dogs. Susan loved anything purple. She will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by her family and many friends.
Susan was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents William and Dorothy Rodibaugh, and her beloved cat, Screech.
Left to honor her memory are her two sons, Rob (Juanita) Martin of Eldon, IA and Thad (Jaime) Martin of Batavia, IA; four grandchildren, Brandyn Martin, Ashlyn (Tanner) Chance, Mackenzie Martin, and Cale Martin; four great grandchildren, Cohen, Keegan, Hadley and Grayson; two siblings, Bud Madden and Mitzi Maynard; her feline companion, Princess, as well as many extended family and friends.
