Martha Ann Griffin

Martha Ann (Gardner) Griffin, 97, of Newton, died Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Newton Village. A private family graveside service will be held. Memorials to Newton Village or Iowa River Hospice can be left at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton.

Martha, the daughter of William and Pauline (Baldwin) Gardner, was born March 29, 1927, in Corydon. She grew up in Corydon, Charles City, and Des Moines, graduating from Des Moines Roosevelt High School in 1945. She then attended Drake University, where she met Charles Peter Griffin. The two were married in 1949 in Des Moines. Their family lived in several locations throughout the years due to Chuck’s career as a teacher and coach. They settled in Newton in 1970. Martha worked at the Girls’ Training School in Mitchellville.

Martha loved her family dearly and spent much of her free time attending her kids’ and grandkids’ activities. She enjoyed making May baskets which she delivered to the neighborhood kids. She attended auctions regularly, never to be outbid on items that caught her eye. This also meant Martha was an avid collector, with her Santa Claus pins, bug pins, and antique plates being her prized pieces. She also “collected” shoes and purses, and despite her ability to accumulate items, kept her home and belongings neat and tidy.

Martha is survived by her children, Lynn Nelson of Lake View, Thomas (Sharon) Griffin of Waverly, and Susan Griffin of Ralston, NE; her grandchildren: David (Angie) Nelson and their daughter, Elliana, Katie Nelson and her children, Charlie Jo and Jack, Dan Nelson, Sarah (David) Griffin, Gus (Shelli) Griffin and their children, Nathan and Amelia, and Ruth (Kevin) Richmiller, and their children Ashlyn and Logan. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Chuck; son, Charles Peter “Pete” Griffin, Jr.; her son-in-law, Larry Nelson; and her siblings: Jay Gardner, Mary Crowley, and Bill Gardner.