Martha Chase

(From Parker Mortuary)

Martha Joan (Gragg) Chase, age 97 of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Wildwood Senior Living.

Martha was born February 14, 1928, in Eldon, Missouri to Robert H. Gragg and Edna (Phillips) Gragg. In 1936, the Gragg family moved to Wichita, Kansas, where she attended North High School, graduating in 1946. For the next four years Martha attended Kansas University. She was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, graduating in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy.

After graduation, Martha worked as an Occupational Therapist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she met Ned B. Chase, Jr., her lifetime love. They married August 18, 1951 at the Irvington Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis. They shared sixty-seven happy years together before his passing on May 12, 2018.

Martha and family lived in several locations prior to their move to Wiesbaden, Germany in 1960, where Ned completed his service commitment. Returning to the U.S. in 1963, Martha and family settled in Joplin, MO where Martha gave birth to the last of their four children, and Dr. Ned Chase began his private practice in orthopedic surgery.

In addition to raising four children, Martha served the Joplin Community through her work on various committees, as well as numerous volunteer positions. She was a member and past president of the Joplin Medical Auxiliary, member of the Health and Welfare Board at St. John’s Hospital, and a volunteer for the Cerebral Palsy Clinic. Martha served on the board of the Joplin YWCA (now the Joplin Family Y) and was a member of the American Association of University Women. A lifetime member of the Joplin Historical Society, she also served on the organization’s board. 

Volunteering for several years as a docent at the Spiva Art Center was one of Martha’s greatest joys, and she was a past Chairman and Friend of St. Avips. Martha also enjoyed attending and doing various research work for her Wednesday Study Club, loved her friends and fellow members of the Petal Pushers Garden Club, and enjoyed time with her dinner group and various bridge clubs.

Martha’s philanthropic and community work extended to the GA chapter of P.E.O. and to her role in the First Presbyterian Church. She served as an Elder, Clerk of the Session and Deacon in the church. She valued the discussions in the Mariners Class and her volunteer work at the first Tuesday Luncheons.

Later in life Martha had many adventures and wonderful experiences, traveling the world with her husband and good friends. She enjoyed both watching and attending sporting events, especially the Kansas Jayhawks, Arkansas Razorbacks and Missouri Southern Lions. She also treasured her time with her children and grandchildren who will miss her beyond words.

She is survived by her children, Michael B. Chase and wife, Carol Madaio, of Seattle, Washington, Dr. Patrick R. Chase and wife, Becky, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Catherine E. Chase of Los Angeles, California, and Heidi (Chase) Williams and husband, Pete, of Joplin; grandchildren, Libby Chase and Lewis Chase of Fayetteville, Catherine (Howe) Connor and husband, Colton of Bentonville, Gage Williams, Dan Williams and Logan Williams of Joplin, David Gurdak and Angela Gurdak of Seattle; great grandchild, Ella Williams of Joplin.







In addition to her parents and her husband, Martha was preceded in death by her sister, Bobbie Katherine (Gragg) House.

The care Martha received, both at Wildwood Senior Living and from Gentiva Hospice, is greatly appreciated. The family sends a very special thank you to Carol Sweeton for her unsurpassed level of care the last few years. Thank you also, to Tannio Willis, for her kindness to Mom during these past few months.

Funeral services for Martha Chase are at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin with Pastor John Anderson officiating. A private family burial will take place at Eldon Cemetery in Eldon, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Spiva Center for the Arts and the First Presbyterian Church, in care of the mortuary. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.