Martha May (Wood) Girard

Martha May (Wood) Girard, 91, of Iowa Falls, Iowa passed away Thursday February 8, 2024, at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls. A Celebration of Life for Martha Girard will be held at a later date. The Linn’s Funeral Home, Iowa Falls Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the family ℅ Martha Girard Memorial, Linn’s Funeral Home, 1521 Washington Avenue, Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126.

She was born in Rolfe, Iowa to Pat and Edna Wood. She was the third oldest of seven children. Growing up, she worked with her dad and brother on their turkey farm. 

Piano playing was a passion. In her high school years, she accompanied her classmates during their performances and competitions. Her piano teacher encouraged her participation at competitions where she did well. One year she progressed to Districts and feared she’d qualified for state. Martha was always more comfortable being on the sidelines rather than in the spotlight.

In 1950, Martha’s senior year in high school, she was riding on the Homecoming Queen’s float as one of the finalists. Joe had come home for the game and festivities. He saw her on the float, called her and asked her out for dinner and a movie. They were at each other’s side from that moment on. They married December 28, 1953.

Martha wanted to be a teacher and with the encouragement of her parents she attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake. She taught kindergarten for one year in Manson, Iowa. It was her piano playing that secured her position because the school also needed a music teacher.

In 1955, Joe and Martha moved to Iowa Falls with their two oldest daughters and bought the Super Valu store. A few years later the family grew with the addition of two more children.

Martha’s caring and compassionate nature led her to be a Girl Scout leader for her girls’ troops. She volunteered for Bible school and taught Sunday School for many years. And always, she was by Joe’s side working in the store. 

She was a loyal supporter to her family, always putting them first. She will be missed by all who have ever been touched by her quiet calm caring ways, especially her children, Yettee (Dawn Creech) Girard, Stephanie (Ron) Tjaden, Ham (Lori) Girard, Tradell Berke, nine grandchildren: Hammie Girard, Cody Girard, Jacob Girard, Tess Trump, John Tjaden, Charlie Veith, Jeffery Veith, Marty Berke, Joey Berke, and eighteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joe Girard; one brother: Daryl Wood; five sisters: Sally Hugh, Aloma Butterfield, Shiela Cleavenger, Ann Hough, and Rebecca Hay.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.