Martha Ann Bright

Martha Bright, 81, of Mt. Pleasant, IA, passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Savannah Heights.



A Memorial Service will be held Sunday, November 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at Finley Chapel United Methodist Church with Pastor Lindsey Ford officiating. Following the service family will greet friends at the church. Burial will be in Finley Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Finley Cemetery Association or Every Step Hospice. On-line condolences may be directed to www.olsonpowell.com.



Born May 15, 1938, in Mt. Pleasant, IA, Martha Ann was the daughter of Bernard Kauffman and Martha Helen (Todd) Bates. She was a 1955 graduate of Mt. Pleasant High School and attended AIB in Des Moines. On December 23, 1956, at Finley Chapel UMC she married Earnest J. Bright.



Martie worked as a bookkeeper for Staats, for Henry County Hospital in registration, as a school bus driver, and for many years as a dispatcher for the Henry County Sheriffs Office. She also worked for Prestige Printshop in St. Louis as a secretary.



An active member of Finley Chapel UMC, Martie was also a former member of Chapter J TTT of Wayland. Martie loved to play softball with her girls and was involved in getting the softball diamonds in Mt. Pleasant established. She quilted, embroidered, and made lap quilts for those in nursing homes. She was a voracious reader and while she wasnt a big gardener, she enjoyed canning the produce. Family was Marties life focus.



Along with her husband of 63 years, Martie is survived by three daughters, Linda Fear of Mt. Pleasant, IA, Brenda (Mike Wheelock) Bright of Ames, IA, and M. Sharon (Bill) Beattie of Mt. Pleasant, IA; one son, Douglas (Karen) Bright of Keokuk, IA; six grandchildren, Renee, Cameron, Alicia, Joe, Greg, and Rachelle; three great grandchildren; and two step-grandchildren.



Preceding her in death are her parents; brother James Bates; and nephew Charles Bates.