Martha Irene Anderson

Martha Irene Anderson of Pensacola, OK passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on January 19th, 2023.  She was 89 years old. Martha was diagnosed with Leukemia 23 years ago, but her unwavering faith in God always helped her keep a positive outlook and it never stopped her from enjoying life to its fullest. No matter how sick she was, she never complained and never lost her faith. In fact, in the last week of declining health, she overheard her doctor say he “hoped to go to heaven”, and she raised her finger and pointed at him and said, “You don’t have to hope…you can know”. She was a witness to her last breath!

Martha grew up East of Pensacola, OK on a small farm next to Hudson Lake. She married Sam D. Anderson of Stillwell, OK in 1954 at the age of 21. Together with their 4 kids, they ran Sam’s Grocery and Tire in Pensacola, Ok. They retired at the age of 51 and have never looked back. Martha loved going on long camping/fishing trips with Sam to Colorado and caught hundreds of trout and rode thousands of miles on bikes and ATV’s. She loved crappie fishing and spent many months each year fishing Hugo Lake, Piney Creek, and Bob Sandlin. Sam always said she could out-fish him.

Martha loved sewing, quilting, canning, baking, reading her Bible, and was an exceptional country cook. She was known for being able to cook up a big meal in the blink of an eye when company showed up unexpectedly. She loved quilting blankets for all her kids, grandkids, and extended family. Her grandkids favorite presents were always fresh baked bread and homemade jelly.  

Martha was truly a perfect example of how a Christian should be. She was loving, kind, generous, humble, and never had a negative word to say. She loved Sam, her kids, grandkids, family and friends with all her heart and always put her needs aside to do anything for them.  

Martha is survived by her husband of 68 years, Sam; two sons, Gary Anderson & wife Vicki of Vinita, OK, Dean Anderson of Wagoner; two daughters Brenda Jordan & husband Charles of Adair, Ok; Sherry Risman & husband Jim of Disney, OK; six grandkids, Rainy, Shaney, Cambree, Matt, Sarah, & Tyler; eight great grandkids, Hunter, Carson, Harrison, Fallon, Whitley, Emily, Layla, & Landon; two sisters, Ina Rogers, Marie Karr & husband Bob; two step brothers, Tommy Butler & wife Que, Paul Butler & wife Mary; sister-n-law Kathy Butler; Aunt Lucille Ervin and many friends.  

Martha is preceded in death by her parents, Virgil & Mamie Wheeler; step mother Catherine Butler Wheeler; step-sister Mary Catherine Butler; brother, Floyd Wheeler; step-brother John Butler; grandkids, Chris Weems, Piper Anderson as well as many more loving aunts, uncles, cousins and relatives.

Visitation: Sunday, 1/22 from 2-4 at Shipman’s Funeral & Cremation Service of Pryor.  

Service: 1/23 11am at Utopia Baptist church, Big Cabin, OK

Laid to rest: Ghormley Cemetery