HOLTON – Martha May DeLay, 96, of Holton, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Vintage Park Assisted Living in Holton, surrounded by her family.
She was born November 18, 1927 in Lexington, Missouri, the daughter of Andrew J. and Katie May Grahn Mark. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1945.
Martha married Orville S. DeLay on July 10, 1949 in Lexington, MO. They resided in Holton and celebrated 66 years of marriage together. He preceded her in death on August 15, 2015.
Prior to raising her boys, Martha had worked for Dr. Ansel Searles in his dental office. She was a homemaker and well-known for her homemade “Grandma’s bread”, which she shared with many people in the community. Martha also loved to garden.
She was a former member of the First Presbyterian Church in Holton until it closed. She has since been a member of the First United Methodist Church in Holton. She was also a Life Member of Columbian Chapter 152 of the Order of Eastern Star, having been Grand Matron in 1957. Martha lived her life for the Lord, her family, and to serve others.
Survivors include two sons, Andy J. DeLay and wife Sherry, Abilene, and Ray O. DeLay and wife Ronda, Holton, and five grandchildren, Ashley DeLay, Emily DeLay, Rachel (Kyle) Haught, Jackson (Jessie) DeLay, and Paige DeLay.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 19th at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery for immediate family. Martha will lie in state Thursday at the funeral home, where a visitation will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church or the Holton Dog Park Walking Trail, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 1034, Holton, KS 66436.
