Martha Elizabeth Strope, age 99, of St. Thomas, passed away on Monday, January 20, 2025, at Westphalia Hills.  She was born in St. Elizabeth, on March 27, 1925, daughter of the late John and Rosa (Massman) Bax.  On September 9, 1947, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth, Martha was united in marriage to Urban "Urb" Anthony Strope, who preceded her in death on June 12, 1993.

Martha was a loving homemaker and an active member of her community.  She was a devoted member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, St. Thomas Quilting Circle, and a member of the Argyle VFW Auxiliary.  She took pleasure in playing cards, quilting, sewing, and making something out of nothing.  She loved to say "Show me respect but show me no mercy" when she played cards with her family.  Martha loved to learn and stayed up to date on the changes in times and technology, owning her first computer at the age of 75 and her first iPad at the age of 85.

She is survived by four sons, Dan (Jeanne) Strope, Larry (Kathy) Strope, Stan (Camille) Strope, and Eric (Debbie) Strope; four daughters, Elaine (James Conti) Strope, Sharon Early, Doris Strope, and Brenda (Pete) Kelley; 24 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Gini Heckman; and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her daughter, Jacqueline "Jackie" Gibler; two brothers, Henry Bax and Ilde Bax; and two sisters, Eleanor Schmeig and Rose Mary Buschjost.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m., on Friday, January 24, and an additional visitation from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, at St. Thomas Knights of Columbus Hall.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in St. Thomas with Fr. Mark Porterfield officiating.  Interment will be held in St. Thomas Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic School.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Meta.