Martha McQuhae

Martha Heinrich McQuhae, 73, of Idalou, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on August 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on February 22, 1952, in Lubbock, Texas, to M.J. “Pete” and Lucile Pace, Martha grew up with an unwavering love for family. She was the younger sister of two proud brothers, Milton and James. A 1970 graduate of Idalou High School, she was best known as one of the school’s feature twirlers.

On August 27, 1971, she married her high school sweetheart, Mike Heinrich, at Idalou Church of Christ. Together they built a loving home on the farm and had three children: Robert, Julie, and Ryan. After Mike’s passing from cancer in 1984, Martha focused her life on raising her children, with the indispensable help of her mother, brothers, and in-laws who she continued to live next door to for many years. She was always present at their sporting events and stock shows. She also worked hard to provide for her family. Over the years, she worked at Security Bank Idalou, White’s Funeral Home, and later at Texas Ag Coop Trust.

It was at Texas Ag Coop Trust she met Charles McQuhae, with whom she began a beautiful new chapter of life. They were married on October 8, 2005, and together cherished their roles as “Marmee and Papa” to their 14 beloved grandchildren. Like she was for her children, she could always be found sitting in the bleachers cheering them on at sporting events and stock shows. Martha never missed a chance to celebrate her grandchildren’s accomplishments. They were, without question, her pride and joy.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, M.J. “Pete” and Lucile Pace; her first husband, Mike Heinrich; her brothers, Milton Pace and James Pace; and her father-in-law, J.C. Heinrich.

Those remaining to carry on her memory are her husband, Charles McQuhae; her children and their families: Robert (Darla), Michael, and Myles Heinrich of Tahoka; Julie (Steven), Hunter, and Jace Pratt of Idalou; Ryan (Katie), Halli, and Blair Heinrich of Slaton; her stepchildren and their families: Brett (Brittany) Charlie, Maggie, Addie, and Emmie McQuhae of Menomonee Falls, WI; Traci (Darren), Hayes, and Ingrid Hoff of Austin; and Cullen (Helena), Declan and Liam McQuhae of Leander; her mother in law, Bobbie Heinrich; her sister in laws: Debbie Pace, Kathleen Portz and Kathleen Swope (Richard); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services to honor and celebrate Martha’s life will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, August 18th at First Baptist Church Idalou, with graveside service to follow at Idalou Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 – 6 PM on Sunday at The Venue on Broadway, 2202 Broadway, in Lubbock. Services are under the personal care of Combest Family Funeral Homes in Lubbock.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Idalou First Baptist Church or Idalou Snack Pack 4Kids (mail donations to SnackPak4Kids Idalou Schools, 601 S. Walnut, Idalou, TX 79329) in Martha’s memory.