Martha Belle Summar

Martha Belle Osborn Summar, 92, of Blanchard, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 3, 2025. She was born on October 7, 1932, in Mills, New Mexico, to the late Emmanuel Abraham Osborn and Mattie Belle Fry Osborn.

Martha was a devoted and active member of Faith Christian Church, where she loved to volunteer her time and talents. She also held a deep connection with the Tok Baptist Mission Church, where she was a founding member. Martha’s life was dedicated to serving others, whether through her work with the Upper Tanana Development Corporation—helping provide economic, social, and community development for seniors—or her volunteer work at the Tok VFW.

Known for her adventurous spirit, Martha was a self-proclaimed snowbird. She spent her winters in Oklahoma and her summers in Alaska, traveling back and forth between her two beloved homes. In 1962, Martha and her husband, Jonathan Thurman Summar Jr., moved to Alaska, where they raised their children. She cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren.

One of Martha’s most treasured gifts was her ability to tell captivating stories. Whether recounting memories from her childhood or her beloved cafe in Aniak, Martha had a gift for storytelling and a reputation for legendary pies. 

Martha’s love for her family and her unshakable faith will be remembered by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her daughters, Debra James and husband Edward, Dorita Brockett and husband Chris, Donna Kadrich and husband Doug, Darlene Charles, Elvia Murrell, Marthalyn Edwards and husband Doug; son, Jeff Summar and wife Susan; 66 grandchildren; 104 great-grandchildren; 20 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Dutchie Osborn; sisters, Carolyn Waldron and Clara Nelson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jonathan Thurman Summar Jr.; sons, Cliffton Dean Summar and Timothy Daniel Summar; three grandchildren; sisters, Ella Reece and Helen Whitlock; and brothers, John, Lloyd, Eldridge, and Neils Osborn.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project in Martha’s honor. May Martha’s legacy of faith, love, and service continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her.

For Martha’s Oklahoma family and friends, a celebration of Martha’s life will be held at Faith Christian Church (10982 232nd St) in Blanchard, Oklahoma on Saturday, August 9, 2025, 4:00 PM. 

For Martha’s Alaska family and friends, a celebration of Martha’s life will be held at Cornerstone Youth Center / VFW Hall (1316 Alaska Highway) in Tok, Alaska on Saturday, August 16, 2025, 1:00 PM.