Martha Marie Menzies

Martha Marie Menzies, beloved great-grandmother, grandmother, mother, devoted wife, and matriarch of her family, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 25th, at the age of 102, surrounded by the love of her family in Springfield, MO. Born on November 21st, 1922, in Greene County, Missouri, she entered this world as Martha Marie Black the second child of Gladys Bell (Harmon) Black and Harvey Washington Black.
From her earliest days, Martha embodied family values, faith, service to others, and unwavering kindness. Raised in Springfield in a modest home the rhythms of family life were shaped by both shadow and light. Her father, a man of stern resolve was shaped, no doubt, by the hardships of his own era-and was not always an easy presence. Her mother, Gladys, was a beacon of unwavering love and the gentle nurturer that sustained the family's close-knit bond.
Martha often served as the family's quiet mediator, helping to connect her brother and sisters with the empathy she developed from those early challenges. Her siblings Gladys, Harold, and Betty maintained close ties throughout their lives despite the distances time and circumstance might have imposed.
On November 13th, 1941, a full eight days before her 18th birthday, Martha united her heart with Homer Lee Menzies, forging a union that spanned 66 years of joyful companionship. (Her work at the Greene County Recorder's office may have helped them acquire a marriage license before her birthday.) Homer Menzies enlisted in the Air Corps Branch of the United States Army in 1942. Martha supported him throughout his military career where they lived on bases in several cities in the U.S. Together, in times of war and the peace that followed, they built a legacy of love, raising two children-David Lee and Bruce John-and nurturing a home filled with laughter, prayer, and the simple joys of everyday life.
Her dedication to family extended far beyond her immediate circle. She worked at the Ozark Area Community Action Corporation where she helped to alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty. Her belief in God was not just professed but lived through acts of quiet service. She served several charities, including Operation Christmas Child and The Pregnancy Care Center. Through her English classes and naturalization test tutoring, which she held at her dining room table, she empowered many people to achieve U.S. citizenship. For her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she was the keeper of cherished stories, silly songs, childhood secrets, and the architect of treasure hunts, mystery tours, and endless days of fun and exploration.
Martha Marie Menzies is survived by her two children, David Lee (Nancy) and Bruce John (Twyla) of Springfield; five grandchildren, including Natalie Spradlin (Doug), Anne Menzies, Arch Menzies (Meeri), Michael Menzies and Tonya Lyons (Matthew); and ten greatgrandchildren, whom she adored with boundless energy and wisdom. She is also lovingly remembered by Julie Edwards, Jennie Bishop and Janet Weber. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, siblings, and husband, Homer.
A graveside service will be held at Glenn Cemetery on October 30th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home South.