Martha Jean Gathercole

Martha J. Gathercole, 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the family she cherished, on Saturday, January 17, 2026. She was born on December 18, 1931, in Beloit, Kansas, to Rayford and Martha Doyle.

Martha’s love for her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren was immeasurable. She simply adored kids and embraced every moment spent with her family. With the biggest heart and a spirit full of generosity, Martha never knew a stranger. Wherever she went, she offered kindness, warmth, and a listening ear. Her presence made life brighter for everyone she met.

Martha touched countless lives—friends, coworkers, neighbors, and anyone lucky enough to cross her path. Notes and condolences from those who knew her speak of her sweetness, her joyful conversations, and her ability to make life fun. She welcomed everyone into her heart, whether for a day, a minute, or a lifetime.

Her life was filled with adventure and laughter. She loved snowboarding and sledding with the kids in the cow pasture, dancing with her beloved husband in her favorite “flower jeans,” cheering loudly at any sporting event, and spending summers on the farm making applesauce, snapping green beans, planting flowers, and riding the mower she proudly “owned.” Christmas was her favorite holiday, and she began shopping in July to make sure every gift was chosen with love.

Martha had an incredible work ethic and a can do attitude that inspired everyone around her. She loved to travel, especially to the lake in Missouri, and she fulfilled her dream of visiting every state—always with her husband, Theodore, by her side.

Even after Theodore passed, Martha continued to live life fully. She worked at the Dollar Store in Mitchellville until she decided it was no longer safe to drive. She then moved into the loving home of RD and Janielle, where she continued to share stories, laughter, and joy with her family.

Martha is preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband Theodore R. Gathercole; her parents Rayford and Martha Doyle; her son Rick Wamsher; her daughter Brenda Hatfield; her grandsons Troy Gathercole, Zachary Wamsher, James Jordan and John Jackson; her son in law Harlan Smith; and her great grandson Evan Jackson. She leaves behind her children –Jean Jordan (Ken), Bill Wamsher, Larry Wamsher (Renea), Ted Gathercole, David Gathercole, Rayford (RD) Gathercole (Janellie), Beth Olson (Kim), Marty Vandehaar, Tina Smith, Terry Jackson (Steve) and many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren (108 to be exact).

Her family and friends will forever remember her joyful spirit, her loud cheers, her warm hugs, and her ability to make every moment special.

“Dance like there is no tomorrow, Mom. Yell loud and proud. Swing, swirl, and smile. You deserve it.”

Family will greet guest on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., at Hamilton’s Mitchellville Funeral Home, 303 Center Ave., South, Mitchellville, Iowa. A funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Martha will be laid to rest at Mitchellville Cemetery in Mitchellville, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Martha.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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