Martha Candelari

Martha Sims Candelari, 79, of Brenham, died Dec. 11, 2014, at College Station Medical Center. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 27 at 3:00 p.m. at Salem Lutheran Church of Salem with Pastor Charles Parnell officiating. Martha was born Aug. 12, 1935, in Groesbeck, TX, to Bryan William and Mattie Rachel Smiley Hartnett. She was affectionately known as "Honey" by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved spending time with her family and friends, playing cards, traveling and cooking, especially baking. From cheesecakes to wedding cakes, she was known for her fabulous desserts, even furnishing desserts for area restaurants. For many years she was also a caterer, serving private parties and cutting horse shows. A tour guide for Clark Travel, Martha guided groups on bus tours throughout the U.S., making many lifelong friends. She was the ultimate hostess, always making visitors feel welcome. Her manners were impeccable. Her greatest gift, though, was making people feel special. No matter who you were or how busy she was, she always took the time to listen, give hugs, offer encouragement and of course a home-cooked meal. Martha also lived in Houston and Marble Falls, but Brenham was her home, where she returned many years ago. She was an active member of Salem Lutheran Church of Salem, where she served on the evangelism committee and sang in the choir. We rejoice that she is now singing in God''s choir. Survivors include her sons and daughter-in-law, Richard and Cary Sims of Bellville and David Sims of Brenham; daughters and sons-in-law, Robbie and Clyde Fuchs of Crocker, MO and Angela Sims and Neal Derryberry of Marble Falls; grandchildren, Luke Fuchs and wife Melinda of Burton, Tyler Fuchs of Brenham, Jake Sims of Brenham, Molly Sims Grabarschick and husband Robert of Brenham, Emily Sims Hendryx and husband Luke of Bellville, Sierra Sims-Johns and husband Bobby of Austin and Blayne Cole Smith and wife Natosha of Marble Falls; eight great-grandchildren; brothers and sister-in-law, Bob Hartnett of Bellville and Bryan Smiley and Sherry Hartnett of Hondo; sister, Helen Clay of Brenham; and numerous nieces and nephews. Martha was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial contributions may be directed to Washington County EMS or Salem Lutheran Church of Salem. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., Brenham, TX. To post a tribute to the family, visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.