Martha L. Sharp

Martha L. (Ransom) Sharp, age 65, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, passed away August 14, 2011, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital.

Martha was born September 6, 1945, in Soda Springs, Idaho. She graduated from Blackfoot High School in Blackfoot Idaho; received an associate's degree from Ricks College in Rexburg, Idaho, and a bachelor's degree in elementary education and music from Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. Martha was an avid pianist and organist. She played for church and several community events.

She was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served a mission for the church in Florida before beginning her career as a 1st grade teacher in Blackfoot and later in Soda Springs. Martha married Robert Sharp December 7, 1972, in Logan, Utah. In 1989 they moved with their children to Council Bluffs. She worked at Pretzelmaker in the Mall of the Bluffs for several years where she earned the nickname "the pretzel lady." Martha was a volunteer for the Pioneer Heritage Research Group finding names and locations of old cemeteries.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George B. and Alice VanOrden Ransom; sisters, Leedia Beckstead and Floy Wells; brother, Kelly Ransom; and her son, Joel Sharp.

Martha is survived by her husband, Bob Sharp; children, Annalee and James Gilbert, David and Holly Sharp, Martha and Christopher Blue, Mary Sharp, and Jacob and Kandyce Sharp; brother, Reese Ransom; sister, Marjorie Seward; as well as her 13 grandchildren.

The viewing will be Friday, from 7 to 9 p.m. Services will be Saturday, at 11 a.m., both at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2303 Butler St., Council Bluffs. Interment Garner Township Cemetery. A lunch will follow at the church. Memorials should be made to the Pioneer Heritage Research Group, 3250 State Street, Omaha Neb., 68112.

This obituary was originally published in The Daily Nonpareil.