Martha Louise Stratton

Martha Louise Zesch-Stratton
Born: April 30, 1934. Died: August 3, 2025. 91 years, 3 months 3 days

Martha was born in rural Marshall County, Iowa; brought home to a centennial family farm that is still owned by a cherished cousin and his wife. Martha resided in Des Moines for 24 years. 1960 marked her marriage to Merwin Stratton.
The couple moved to Los Angles, California; raising three children on one income…unheard of in today's two income world. She was widowed at age 52. In 2017 she returned to "The Land of Milk and Honey" to live in Ankeny.

Ernest and Opal Zesch brought up their two girls within a stoic and strict German heritage that encompassed a black and white Christian philosophy that allowed for no gray areas. Martha's father named her after the nurse that cared so diligently for his own father who died in 1926, when Ernie was only sixteen years-old.

Born barely after "The Great Depression" Martha was raised with old-fashioned values, sensibilities and ethics that are seldom found in "today's me-first, materialistic families." Life lessons like putting another's interests FIRST and FOREMOST before your OWN were central in her upbringing.

Martha managed to catch every childhood disease known to mankind including Polio. Some of the more serious afflictions, like Scarlet Fever were endured twice. A multitude of health issues followed and confounded many a doctor for years. Solutions were only found after she returned to her home state. In her later years, it often seemed that she was keeping the healthcare system afloat single-handedly.

The late Mrs. Stratton…That's how Martha characterized herself for many years…It was an appropriate description…As a child, she had to be bribed or prodded to get up and dressed for school. But perhaps, it had more to due to with the fact that she needed glasses; finally recognized in the third grade. Born a night owl, it was no surprise that she stayed up into the wee hours finishing some sewing project for someone else. She was never a "morning person."

Martha arrived ON TIME today with a little help!

Finding clothes that fit properly was an impossibility. It is no wonder that she was destined to become a seamstress beyond compare; making every bit of her own clothing

Perhaps, "Barbie" was actually modeled after a real, live girl? Maybe, one born in 1934!

A 4-year-old, jealous sibling told Martha, "YOUR'RE UGLY!" Their mother…rightly horrified…told the young-upstart…"You HAVE to apologize to your sister and MEAN IT!" The 4-year-old sibling replied, "Martha, I am SO VERY SORRY that YOU ARE SO UGLY!" The sibling got off scot-free because it made everyone laugh. That sibling quickly, learned a lesson that she still uses to this day…You can use humor as a deflection and get away with murder!

Martha's first major purchase and most prized possession was her 1950's Hammond Concert Church Organ. She spent many hours playing that organ to regain the mobility and coordination in her hands, legs and feet from "The Dreaded Polio Virus." Many hymns flowed through those keys over the years. That same instrument has been kept in pristine and polished condition to this day. Strident rules applied: No sitting on, no touching, no leaning. Sixty-nine-years without a scuff, scape or scratch. It was a full-time job just polishing off every fingerprint. She felt that her musical talent was "a calling and God's gift". It was her duty and mission to share it and bring joy to everyone.

Martha may yet become an organ donor!

Martha quit work a year in advance of her wedding so that she and her mother could take classes to make her own wedding cake. She needed that time to make her own wedding dress, attendants and flower-girl dresses, hats, ringbearer and groomsmen's suits…the whole kit and caboodle! Her ringbearer is in attendance today.

A private person, quiet, shy, modest and a stay-at-home mom; Martha "never tooted her own horn." She was dedicated to serving her family and her church; she even bent over backwards to cater to the people who had greatly wronged her in the past, causing much heartache. There wasn't a vindictive bone in her body, she stead-fastly held to her Christian values.

Generosity filled her heart. Always giving to others, her church, missionaries and countless other causes she believed in.

Martha's interests and hobbies were varied but were often tied to her talent of sewing. Making quilts, contributing and working with the "Dress a Girl" cause and other women's issues. She perfected that talent and it was key to her eventual survival and purpose in life.

Orchids were her favorite flower; she had loads of them; she fussed over them like they were her children. In California she had them everywhere, inside and outside. She favored Orchids because they thrive on neglect and lasted so long.

In California, Humming Birds flocked to her feeders 365 days of the year. Just like Martha…they are small, have a sweet tooth and are always buzzing around…

Cake decoration became a passion and she was excellent at it. Eventually, her skill supplemented the household. Many a wedding cake was created for a loved-one, friend or relative. Martha was the frosting on the cake!

An open Bible on the cluttered kitchen table was a constant in her life. Filled to the brim with bookmarks, sticky-notes, cards, etc. Never a mark on or in the Bible…That would not be respectful!

Martha's currency was fabric. Parting with each piece of fabric that had traveled with her from Iowa to California and back again to Iowa was a painful process.

The one who ends up with the most fabric wins!

When all hope seemed to be lost, Martha's Christian faith sustained her through some very difficult and traumatic times. Tragedy, disappointment and heartache struck too many times, in her life. Any one of us who are able to unearth Martha's deep, fervent and resolute (but not blind Christian faith) would be blessed to experience it.

1987 was a pivotal year for Martha, when she was FORCED to come into her own. At 53 she found herself widowed, caught unaware with three children living at home. There was no family plan. The family income and resources had vanished instantly. There was nothing available to depend upon. The reality was brutal; it was a terrifying blow. Her prospects seemed dire at best. Her work experience was 28-years old and outdated. Technology had past her by. Martha picked herself up, enrolled in California's West Valley Occupational Center and obtained degrees in Industrial Fashion and Interior Design.

Martha ended up working for and with a wonderful entrepreneurial woman, Irene Hirose'. Irene created a small business making exquisite and unusually designed sachets using exotic and fine fabrics. Irene created a business out of something that was not a necessity. Small luxury items everyone craved after they saw the one-of-a-kind jewels. The precise and detailed sachets were marketed to the most exclusive stores like Nieman Marcus in New York, Chicago, California and other high-end establishments around the United States. Martha's exactness in making "everything she stitched perfect" became a major asset. Irene became family which was exactly what Martha needed; as her chicks had flown the nest. Martha's creativity blossomed! Martha's passion and talent had finally merged to fulfill her life's purpose.

Martha and Irene's legacy will live on for years; as no one will ever part with the small, exquisite, perfect jewels…. Perhaps, Martha tucked a Bible verse in everyone…We will never know!

Remember Martha by helping others, making a life-plan and following it, AND MOST OF ALL…BELIEVE!

Survivors include her children: Kevin Stratton, Arlyn Morris (Michael), Nancy Jackman (Glen); grandchildren: Lauren Stratton, Jonathan Stratton, Rachel Stratton, Austin Morris, Miriam Doggett (Devin), Amanda DeClerk (Collin), Melissa Kretchmer (Tallin), Reannan Jackman.

Visitation will be 9AM - 10 AM Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Ankeny Baptist Church, 2842 SW 3rd Street, Ankeny, IA 50023 with the funeral service following at 10 AM, the service will be livestreamed and can be viewed here on her obituary page or at https://youtube.com/live/jErEBGCBS8c?feature=share . A luncheon will be provided at the church prior to going in procession to Graceland Cemetery, 2558 330th Street, Laurel, IA 50141 where a 1:30 committal services will be held. All are welcome to join the family after the cemetery at Laurel Community Church, 209 S. Main Street, Laurel, IA 50141 for a light dessert and coffee.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.ilesfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements by Iles Grandview Park Chapel, Des Moines

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