Martha Masters

Services for Martha Masters, 64, of Chariton, will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Chariton Cemetery, following the burial a luncheon will be held at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made in care of Martha's family and will be designated at a later date.
Martha Lillian Masters was born December 24, 1960, to Orval and Darlene (Patterson) Arnold at Yocum Hospital in Chariton, IA. The youngest of five children, she grew up outdoors alongside her siblings and animals, most significantly her horse Bally. She graduated from Chariton High School in 1979 and spent her life touching others through her work at Big Bear, O'Brian's, the gift shop, Red Haw- in which she especially enjoyed, and ultimately retiring from Lucas County Health Center.
As a young woman, Martha was introduced to Tom Masters Jr. by Lanny and Linda Masters, and it wasn't long before their connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Martha and Tom were married in 1979, and together they were blessed with three wonderful sons. Their 47 years spent together were full of laughter, shared adventures, and a deep, enduring love that was the foundation of their family, and shaped their boys into the men they are today.
Martha was a true horse-ranch woman at heart, born and raised in the saddle. Her love for the outdoors and the animals she cared for was woven into every part of her life. She enjoyed filling her time with camping trips with family, and the quiet moments spent with her beloved animals. Her horses; Cisco-Bob, Dusty, and Bally, whom she rode as a little girl, were some of her lifelong companions, and her faithful dog Shorty also held a very special place in her heart.
Above all, Martha's greatest joy came from her grandchildren. She was a playful, fun-loving grandma who could always be counted on for a game of Yahtzee; sometimes bending the rules just to make them laugh. Her love, warmth, and devotion left a mark on everyone who knew her, and she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, and the simple joys of a life lived fully and with an open heart.
Martha passed away December 6, 2025, surrounded by her family at the Lucas County Health Center.
Preceding her in death were her parents: Orval and Darlene Arnold; and nephews: Ed Arnold and Danny Piper.
She will be greatly missed by her husband of 47 years, Tom Masters; sons: Tommy Masters III, Luke (Vicky) Masters, and John (Autumn) Masters; grandchildren: Abigail, Brookelynn, Lane and Levi; siblings: Ronald (Ruth) Arnold, Dwight (Rochelle) Arnold, Duane (Betty) Arnold, and Karen Piper; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. To send flowers to the family of Martha, please visit our floral store.