Martha Cresap

Martha Stephens Cresap passed away Sunday, January 5, 2025. She was 86 years old.

Martha was born April 9, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was the youngest of three daughters born to Kermit and Jean Stephens. Although the time she lived in Omaha was not long, she held fond and life-long memories of playing with her sisters and making family visits to their aunt and uncle's farm in nearby Iowa. After this early childhood in Nebraska, her family moved to southern Idaho as her father followed construction work as a welder on dams being built on the Snake River. During this middle childhood period she lived in Burley and Rupert, Idaho. In 1952 her family moved to Battle Ground, Washington and Martha entered Battle Ground High School as a freshman. She was actively involved in school activities - doing well in her coursework, participating in student government, and serving as a cheerleader.

In 1956 she married Vernon Cresap and they began raising a family on a farm in rural Clark County - just outside Battle Ground. Initially she worked as a homemaker, but as her children grew she also worked as a librarian aid at Central Elementary School and later as a secretary in the activities offices of both Battle Ground and Prairie high schools. During this time she was actively involved in family activities - especially activities centered on helping raise her children. She served as a 4H leader, helped her kids with various learning activities, engaged in family vacations, and hosted numerous family gatherings. She was an excellent cook and lively hostess.

In the early 1990s Martha relocated to Ocean Park, Washington where she built a new home in Surfside Estates. She was actively involved in the construction of her house - overseeing all the work and even doing some of the construction herself. This was indicative of a very "hands on" time in her life. She loved gardening and was locally known for the colorful flowers in her yard. She enjoyed needlework, artisan baking, and sewing. She worked as a waitress and restaurant hostess - first at Milton York restaurant in Long Beach and later at The Ark restaurant in Nahcotta. Most importantly, she opened her home to numerous family stays for events at the beach. These included clam digging, 4th of July fireworks, and annual Christmas dinners. Celebrating Christmas was a special passion of hers. She loved decorating her home, giving generous gifts, and preparing festive dinners.

In 2020 she returned to Clark County, purchasing a new home for the final phase of her life. During this phase she continued to focus on family activities - especially connecting with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She professed a simple faith in Jesus as her Savior. God blessed her in this - helping her to be resilient amid declining health and granting her some of the most reflective and content time in her life.

Martha is preceded in death by her parents Kermit and Jean Stephens and her sisters Barbara and Nancy. She is survived by her son David Cresap (Elaine) and her daughter Teri Miller-Randall (Craig), grandchildren Daniel (Jade), Heather, Michelle, Russell, and Shelley (Kevin), and great grandchildren Laura, Camille, Kylie, Owen, Braylen, and Naomi.

Martha will be remembered, among other things, for her love of family, enthusiastic conversation, and generous spirit.

Her memorial service will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, 1:00 pm, at Cherry Grove Friends Church, 9100 NE 219 Street, Battle Ground, WA 98604.