Thursday, Mar. 04, 2010

Martha Jessie Bakken

Martha Jessie Bakken, 93, long time resident of Blue Springs, died Feb. 27, 2010 surrounded by her loving family.

Martha was born May 24, 1916 in Milan, the daughter of the late Leonard and Sadie (Leach) DeWitt. She was united in marriage to Roscoe W. Bankus on Nov. 3, 1945 in Milan and then to Arthur E. Bakken Aug. 21, 1968. Martha was a teacher from 1936 to 1978. She spent 48 years investing in the lives of her students and fellow teachers, 30 of those years in the Blue Springs R-4 School District. Martha truly enjoyed her job and cherished every child she was privileged to teach.

She was a long time member of the Blue Springs Historical Society and was a founder of their youth group. Martha taught Sunday school for First Christian Church and was a past church board member, Elder, and Deacon.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husbands, Roscoe W. Bankus and Arthur E. Bakken; son, Donald Bankus; daughter, Peggy Prall; siblings, Josephine Scotten, Bruce DeWitt and Dorothy Wojek.

She leaves behind her daughter, Betty Sue Jones, Marshall; son, John David Bankus, Armada, Mich.; sister-in-law, Annalou DeWitt, Kirksville; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and her caretaker/granddaughter, Lisa Chandlee, Blue Springs.

Funeral services, conducted by Pastor Cliff Caton, were March 5 at the First Christian Church of Blue Springs. Burial followed at Blue Springs Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.

Condolences and memories of Martha may be left for the family online at www.meyersfuneralchapel.com

(Arrangements by: Meyers Funeral Chapel, 1600 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO 64015; 816-229-3276)