(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)Martha Elizabeth Gratton, 90, of Oronogo, Missouri, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, November 29, 2025. She was born on May 20, 1935, in Tom Bean, Texas, to Samuel and Josie Nelms. As a young child, she and her brother, David Behymer, were lovingly adopted by Harry and Gussie Behymer, and they grew up surrounded by faith and family in Oronogo.
On March 18, 1956, Martha married the love of her life, Edward Gratton. God blessed their 43 years of marriage with six children: Kenneth Gratton, Carolyn Murray, David Gratton, Janet Bradham, Kathleen Fox, and Edward Gratton.
After Edward’s passing in 1999, Martha continued to honor their life together through her steadfast faith, her strength, and her unwavering devotion to her family. Martha was a proud grandmother to fourteen grandchildren—Coleicia Reuscher, Scott Murray Jr., Kimberly Holz, Jeremy Bradham, Jason Fox, Travis Gratton, Michael Gratton, Jessica Bradham, Matthew Gratton, Nicholas Gratton, Kyle Gratton, Melissa Gratton, Kenneth Scott Gratton, and Jorden Bradham—and fourteen great-grandchildren, each one a blessing she thanked God for daily. She prayed faithfully for her family, celebrated their accomplishments, and filled their lives with unconditional love.
A caregiver by both calling and profession, Martha served with Oxford Health Care until her retirement at age 70. She cared for others with the compassion of Christ—always gentle, patient, and kind. Many remember her for her warm smile, her generous heart, and the way she spoke lovingly of everyone she encountered. Martha cherished moments spent with her family—talking, laughing, singing, and giving thanks to God for the life He had given her. She lived out her faith in simple, beautiful ways, and her legacy of love and devotion will continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind.
A caregiver by both calling and profession, Martha served with Oxford Health Care until her retirement at age 70. She cared for others with the compassion of Christ—always gentle, patient, and kind. Many remember her for her warm smile, her generous heart, and the way she spoke lovingly of everyone she encountered. Martha cherished moments spent with her family—talking, laughing, singing, and giving thanks to God for the life He had given her. She lived out her faith in simple, beautiful ways, and her legacy of love and devotion will continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind.
Though she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her beloved Edward, and resting in the presence of her Savior.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
We love you, and we look forward to seeing you again in heaven.
Visitation
Wednesday, December 10th, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Mason-Woodard Mortuary
3701 East 7th Street
Joplin, Missouri 64801
3701 East 7th Street
Joplin, Missouri 64801
Thursday, December 11th, 2025 1:00pm
Mason-Woodard Mortuary
3701 East 7th Street
Joplin, Missouri 64801
Mason-Woodard Mortuary
3701 East 7th Street
Joplin, Missouri 64801
No comments:
Post a Comment