Martha Simonton

Martha Simonton 80 died on September 8, 2011 after a battle with cancer. A celebration of her life will be at First Baptist Church of Mineral Wells at 2 PM on Sunday, September 11, 2011 with family friend Dr. John Tate and oldest grandson Tommy Simonton officiating. Burial will follow in Woodland Park Cemetery. Visitation is Saturday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be her grandsons and honorary pallbearers are her former students.Martha Simonton was born December 18,1930 in Silver Vallev, Tx to Elbert and Viva Gipson.They have preceded her in death, as well as one sister, Eleanor Tomlinson, and four brothers, Audria, Eston, Walter and Cotton Gipson. One sister, Geraldine Wiles survives.Martha graduated from Coleman High School in 1948 and Hardin Simmons University in 1952.She married the love of her life, Tommy Simonton, on November 23, 1952. They recentlycelebrated their 58th wedding annivesary.To this marriage 4 wonderful children were born, Eddie and wife Carrie along withgrandchildren Tommy iv and wife Elasha, Jenny and husband Pat Brown, Selena Simonton,Brandon and Bailey Simonton, Amanda and husband Dillon Imbodien, Kevin and wife Jessica, 9great grandbabies Quinton and Bowen Simonton, Caden and Sawyer Brown, Braxton, Mckeeleigh and Keegan Imbodien and John Wayne and Josie Mckee. Jan and Steve Folkneralong with 3 grandchildren: Shea, Steven and Patrick Folkner. Scott and Kelly Simonton alongwith grandchildren Ty, Lacey and husband Shawn Young, Chelsea, Shelby, Scotty and MollySimonton. Mar Lea and husband Bob Chapman along with grandchildren Jacob, Wilt Charlieand wife Karin Chapman and two great grandchildren Chase and Chance. Also surviving Marthaare a brother in law Gerald Simonton and his wife AnnaMae, sister in law Carolyn and husbandBill Wilson, sister in law Polly Wells, sister in law Sue Gipson and numerous nieces and nephews. Somehow Martha kept all of this crew going and managed to teach school for 45 years. Her two main favorite grades to teach were third and fifth grade.Tom and Martha are long time members of First Christian Church in Mineral Wells. In lieu of flowers donations may be made at First State Bank to a scholarship fund for graduating seniors who will go into the teaching field.Others who preceded her in death were her wonderful father and mother in law, Edwin and Willie Anna Simonton. The family would like to thank the following: Dr. Alice Ramsey and staff, Integracare Hospice, Brenda Danforth, Jeannie McMinn, Melody Porter and all of the wonderful friends that visited and brought food.