Martha Drennan

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

With a heart full of generosity and a flighty yet professional spirit, Martha Ann Drennan, a lifelong resident of Joplin, Missouri, lived a life that was nothing short of extraordinary. 

Born on December 24, 1939, to the late Doris Olds, Martha was a beacon of love, always ready to extend her hand to those in need. Surrounded by the love of her family, Martha peacefully passed away on April 21, 2024 at Joplin Gardens, leaving behind a legacy that will be cherished forever.

Martha's professional journey in the healthcare sector was an embodiment of her innate desire to take care of people. She retired from Mercy (St. John's) Hospital in Joplin, MO, around 2009, after decades of selfless service in nursing. 

Even in retirement, Martha's thirst for knowledge remained unquenched. A collector of newspapers, magazines, and anything paper, she kept herself updated with health issues and readings. Despite being flighty at times, Martha maintained a professional demeanor that charmed everyone around her. She was an active member of the Iron Gates Christian Church in Joplin and loved taking care of things at the church.

Her generosity extended beyond her professional commitments, touching the lives of her loved ones in profound ways. Martha's joy knew no bounds when she was surrounded by her grandkids and great-grandkids, nurturing them and ensuring they grew up having a relationship with Christ. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Johnny Drennan, her daughter Sherry LaFave, her sister Wilma Jaffe, and a grandson Kelly Tracy. 

She is survived by her children Terry (Marsha) Tracy, and Elizabeth Ann Rissmiller; grandchildren Heather Marie Pendergraft, Sarah Ann (Derek) Eubanks, Christopher M.A. Tracy, Jennifer Phillips (Dennis Artinger), Shannan Garde, Joshua Rissmiller, Wesley Rissmiller, and Elizabeth (Clayton) Morris; great grandchildren Brooklyn Pendergraft, Ethan Pendergraft, Tyler Smith, Eden Eubanks, Maverick Eubanks, Briar Eubanks, Zachary Phillips, Brianna (Allen) Beachy, Austin Phillips, Ashlynn Artinger, Maddison (Colton) Winder, Mason Adams, and Coy Stafford.

A visitation will be held on from 5-6pm on Thursday, April 25th at Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City. Funeral services will be held 11am Friday, April 26th at Iron Gates Christian Church (2310 Iron Gates Rd, Joplin, MO 64804). Entombment will be at the Ozark Memorial Park Mausoleum. Those honoring Marsha's life by serving as pallbearers are: Derek Eubanks, Zachary Phillips, Colton Winder, Austin Phillips, Ethan Pendergraft and Mason Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Christopher M.A. Tracy and Terry Tracy.

Martha's life was a testament to the power of love and generosity, a legacy that will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to know her. Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family extends an invitation to relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Martha, a woman whose life was a beautiful melody of love, care, and selfless service.