Martha Wilkening

Martha Louise Wilkening passed away on Dec. 3, 2006, at Trinity Care Center after a long battle with heart disease. God touched her and called her home where her precious spirit now dwells. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Quinn; three daughters, Martha Jean, June and Joan Wilkening; and her two brothers, Garfield and Grant Woods. Martha was born in Clay Station, Texas, to John and Emma Stammann Woods on the Fourth of July! Her parents passed away early in her life, and she and her two brothers lived with an aunt in Brenham. She attended school at Clay Station, Independence, Brenham High School and Blinn College. She married the love of her life, Quinn Wilkening, on June 8, 1930. They were both active members of the First Baptist Church, where Quinn served as a deacon and both enjoyed singing in the choir. Martha was an active member of the Joy Class and the Senior Saints. Martha worked in various positions throughout her life, beginning with her first secretarial job at Blue Bell Creamery, then at Savitall Meat Market and for Dr. W.F. Hasskarl, Sr. Later she worked as the administrator of Milroy/Bohne Hospital for 10 years, as secretary to Dr. James Atkinson at Blinn College from 1962-1975 and ended her career by assisting at funerals for Memorial Oaks Chapel. Although she experienced sadness in her life with the early death of both parents and the loss of three daughters, her life with Quinn was filled with love and laughter for 66 years. She loved her family, baking cakes to share with friends, the Houston Astros, and occasional trips to Las Vegas. She was a special lady who was blessed with a long, vibrant life. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and David Steinbach of Austin; two grandchildren, Craig and wife Tammy Steinbach of Liberty Hill and Karen and husband Michael Scott of Austin; six great-grandchildren, Ashley, Kyle and Haley Steinbach and Chad, Allison and Luke Scott; and one special niece, Charlotte Smith and husband Bob of Brenham. The family wishes to express their appreciation for the love and support given to her through the years by her many friends. Special thanks are extended to Dr. Robert Haydon, Dr. Gordon Mitchell, AMA Home Health Care and Trinity Care Center. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5 at Memorial Oaks Chapel. The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Dec.6 at First Baptist Church in Brenham with Rev. Steven Ponder officiating. Burial will be in Prairie Lea Cemetery in Brenham. Pallbearers will be Troy Glasco, Gary Sonnenburg, Dr. Don Voelter, Brett Smith, William R. Perry and Victor Arlitt. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. W.F. Hasskarl, Mr. and Mrs. James Carstarphen, Nancy Rosenbaum and Lucile Boettcher. Memorials may be given to: the Joy Sunday school class at First Baptist Church, Blinn College, Trinity Medical Center or the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 W. Main St., in Brenham.