Martha Rose Colston

Martha Rose Colston (Franke), age 87, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026. She was born on June 26, 1938, to the late Joseph O. Franke and Mary E. Franke (Adams). In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Colston; her son, Gregory Scott Colston; her sisters, Geraldine Sweet, Delores Baugh, and JoAnne Schlatter; and her daughter-in-law, Lynn Colston. Martha was a lifelong member of Riverside Baptist Church, which her father founded over 75 years ago. Her church friends were like family and gave her love and comfort for many years. She was especially proud to be the first female Deacon ordained at Riverside. She was a good mom and good Christian and will be missed dearly.

She is survived by four sons, Bill, Dan (Denise), Alex (Theresa), and Donald (Jerita); seven grandchildren, Will (Sarah), Joe (Amity), Bob (Crystal), Jake (Shannon), Jared (Nicole), Maggie (Michael), and Jessie Rose; eight great-grandchildren, Shelby, Maddi, Allie, Sophia, Olivia, June, Claire, and Evie; two sisters, Eunice Farrow and Laura Sue Geary; four brothers-in-law, Arch Colston, Bob Elbert, Norb Elbert, and Andy Elbert; many loving nieces and nephews, but especially Tammy McBride and Natalie McDaniel who helped so much with her care.

Her celebration of life will be on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Riverside Church, 4317 Lees Lane, Louisville, KY 40216. The visitation will start at 2:00 PM and the service will begin at 6:00 PM. In memory of Martha Rose, donations to Riverside Church would be welcome and appreciated.