Martha Utsinger

Martha Utsinger, 75, of Newton, and formerly of Marshalltown, died Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 at Newton Healthcare Center. A celebration of Marthas life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 30th at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home, with Fr. Jim Miller of St. Marys Catholic Church officiating. There will not be a visitation held. Memorials may be directed to Marthas family. She will be laid to rest in St. Marys Cemetery at St. Clair, Michigan, at a later date. For condolences, please visit www.mitchellfh.com. The Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Martha and her family, phone 641-844-1234. Martha Ann Brown was born on June 30th, 1934 at Marysville, Michigan to parents John and Stella (Fike) Brown. Stella passed away during childbirth and Martha was adopted by David and Katie (Feenstra) Grasman. Martha lived in many places during her childhood due to her adopted fathers work. She eventually settled in the Marshalltown and Newton areas. On August 22nd, 1952, Martha was united in marriage to Rex Strickland in Des Moines. They later divorced. Martha was employed as a bookkeeper at various businesses throughout her working life. She was a member of St. Marys Catholic Church in Marshalltown. Martha was talented at any kind of needle-work, including knitting and crocheting. She was a master puzzle builder, enjoyed bingo, and time with family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Martha will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her, including her son Jack (Diana) Strickland, daughters Linda (Steve Drew) Daughtrey and Debbie Vanater, all of Marshalltown; her grandchildren: Jennifer (Doug) Taft, Christopher (Tina) Strickland, Shauna Mares, Jordan Strickland, Victor Daughtrey, and Brody Norton; 14 great-grandchildren; her sisters Nancy Cousins of Derby, New York, and Margie Harmer of Yale, Michigan; as well as many friends. In death, Martha has rejoined her parents and several brothers and sisters.