Martha A. Szymarek 77 years old, of Kinde, passed away on December 10, 2023, at her daughter's home in Rogersville, Missouri, with her family by her side, and her husband holding her hand. She was born on July 30, 1946, to the late Arnold and Marie (Macklam) Gerlach in Manistee Michigan. She married the love of her life, Ronald Szymarek, on January 26, 1966, and they celebrated 57 years of marriage together.

Martha was a member of the First Baptist Church of Bad Axe, and retired after many years as the church secretary. She was very gifted in music, playing the piano, teaching herself to play string instruments, singing in 'All For Hymn' for 25 years and joining her voice in the Kinde Presbyterian Church choir. She and Ron were foster parents for over 14 years and she was proud to say she raised 75 kids, two of which they adopted and a child of their own. Martha enjoyed crocheting and sharing ornaments she created, loved to read, loved the beauty of flowers, with carnations as her favorite, and enjoyed learning the fun of line dancing. Martha's quick wit and her sense of humor put a smile of the face of many people that she met.  Martha loved spending time with her family and they will cherish their memories of her. She will be truly missed by those that knew her.

Martha is survived by her husband Ron; daughters Penny (Scott) Schmidt, Linda Szymarek; son Ernie Szymarek; grandchildren Tamara (Chris) Bailey, Isaac Schmidt, Amelia Schmidt; sisters Ruth Kunde-Schmidt, Mary (Keith) Klepper, Arnetta (John) Stump, several nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law Julie (Raphael) Quinones, and Patti (Jerry) Burchard. She was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law Jerry Kunde, and Chris Schmidt.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the First Baptist Church of Bad Axe, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Jay Barsaleau and Pastor Dave Wilson officiating. Comments and final prayer will be given by Rev. Christina Jensen.

Visitation will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 at MacAlpine Funeral Home in Bad Axe from 2:00-7:00 PM and from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church on Tuesday.

Per Martha's wishes, cremation has taken place at Holden Funeral Home of Sparta, Missouri.

Memorials may be offered to the family in c/o of Ron.

Condolences can be shared with the family at www.macalpinefuneralhome.com