Obituary of Martha McElroy

Martha Jo McElroy, age 80 Died at cornerstone Rehabilitation Hospital in Tucson, Arizona, on November 1, 2014, where she was recuperating from her heart surgery. She was born in Appleton, Tennessee on June 27, 1934 to the late William and Cora Smith. Martha grew up and was educated in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where she lived until relocating to Akron, Ohio in 1969. She and her husband moved to Tucson in 1975 where she resided until her death. After retiring from a successful career in real estate, Martha devoted her time to caring for her ailing husband and home. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed bridge time spent with friends and neighbors. She enjoyed cooking and sharing recipes, and especially enjoyed long walks with her husband in Sabino Canyon. She was a lifetime member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. Martha was preceeded in death by her husband Charles R (Dick) McElroy, son Mike Parteka, brother Billy L Smith and sister Mayceil Amos. She is survived by Daughter Kitty Williams and son-in law Eddy Williams of Tucson Arizona and five grandchildren: Kari Williams, Tucson, Arizona, Scott Williams, Phoenix, Arizona, Shannon Williams, Columbus Ohio, Melissa Bates, Irmo, South Carolina and Ryan Parteka, Iceland. Also, five great-grandchildren: Maggie Williams, Tucson, Ayden Williams, Columbus Ohio, Dawson Bates and Gracie Bates both of Irmo, South Carolina, Freyja Parteka, Iceland, Brother Jerry Smith, Glassgow, Kentucky and sister Frankie Fredlund, Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Two special nieces (daughters of sister Mayceil Amos) Peggy Picciano and Donna Amos who were dear to her heart, both of Midland, Texas. Martha will be greatly missed by all who loved her, She retained a dignified charm composed simple, yet refined elegance. She requested there be no memorial service but friends remember her with kindness and spend time helping those that cannot help themselves..