Martha Holton

She believed she had a place in the kingdom of God, and on March 2, 2017, our beloved "Lady Bug" Martha Bell Smith Holton accepted the key to her new home. She was prepared, bags packed, and ready to be united with the love of her life James Ashley Holton Sr. who would be at the gate to welcome her and ask "what took you so long, Toots?" They are celebrating now.\r\n \r\nMartha Bell Smith was born October 30, 1911 in Port Arthur, Texas to Rodolph and Ella Smith. She joined siblings, Rodolph Jr., Jennie Lee, Exie Mae and Lottie Smith. She attended Baylor College for women and graduated from Baylor University in 1932. She taught elementary school in Nederland until her marriage to James Holton Sr. on November 7, 1936.\r\n \r\nIn 1938 daughter, Harriett was born and they moved to the hill country to start their life on 1800 acres, they learned the farm and ranch life. They named their land, the Greenhorn Ranch. They learned to raise cattle, sheep, and goats. They sold the wool and mohair, canned the garden and welcomed a son in 1942, Jimmy. Martha Bell held class in a one room school house for the neighboring ranchers. She would say later she did everything on the ranch except milk a cow.\r\n \r\nIn 1947, the family moved into Kerrville so the children had access to more education. They purchased the Kerrville Meat Processing Plant. While the children were in school Martha Bell became a member of the Order of Eastern Star and served as Grand Worthy Matron. Jimmy served on the school board and retiring in 1969 they sold the locker plant and started traveling. They took cruises all over the world and traveled in their motor home. Their favorite trips were to Canada for salmon fishing. For the two of them, it was the journey, not the destination.\r\n \r\nOn November 7, 1986 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. On November 17, 1986 Mr. Holton passed away. Martha Bell continued to take guided tours, playing cards, and attending Sunday school and having her hair done.\r\n \r\nIn 2008 to be closer to the family, she agreed to move to Waco, Texas where she became a resident of Lakeshore Retirement Estates.\r\n \r\nShe was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, daughter, Harriett Allen, granddaughter, Salli Allen and grandson, Jim Holton IV.\r\n \r\nShe is survived by son, Jimmy Holton of China Spring, Texas, granddaughters Terri and husband Carl Craft, of Golinda, Texas, Holly and husband Rob Wolaver of Lorena, Texas, Courtney Holton of Kyle, Texas. Also great grandchildren Ashley Bell, Terin Nugent, Casey Craft, Trey Benton and Cristin Craft. Great Great grandchildren are Reese and Raelyn Bell, Carson Nugent, Jackson Goodin and Hutson Benton and Camryn. And daughter of the heart Dorothy Brown. \r\n \r\nOur family is forever indebted to Phoenix Care Staff, Scherri and Denise and Bluebonnett Hospice Staff Tiffany and Mollie for the excellent loving care of our "Lady Bug". Thank you for your friendship, the hugs and your support. We love you.\r\n \r\nServices for Martha Bell Smith Holton will be graveside on Sunday, March 5, 2017, 2 PM at Glen Rest Cemetery officiated by Rev. John Wheat.\r\n \r\nVisitation will be 3-5 PM, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Grimes Funeral Chapels in Kerrville.\r\n \r\nIf desired, Martha Bell's favorite charity was Hill Country Youth Ranch.\r\n