Martha Eleanor Belknap passed away on October 4, 2024, at Kalkaska Memorial Hospital, with her loving nephew Jim by her side.

She was born on November 11, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late George Arthur Sr. and Marguerite (Ford) Belknap.

Martha led an extraordinary life as the first child of a missionary family. At just 19 months old, she survived the Ship sinking on their journey to Africa. After regrouping in the United States, the family returned to Africa, where they continued their missionary work. Martha spent her early years living in a mud house, and her family traveled by safari over Lake Victoria to attend school at Rift Valley Academy.

As she grew older, Martha's family moved back to the United States. She pursued higher education and earned her master's degree from Michigan State University, going on to enjoy a 29-year career as a dedicated teacher in Detroit. After retirement, she settled in Rapid City, Michigan, where she found joy in feeding the birds and deer that frequented her yard. Martha's love for animals was evident, with her at one time caring for a dozen cats.

In her younger years, Martha took pride in her garden and cherished the time she spent tending to her yard. She also devoted much of her time to her brother Byron, who was in a nursing home, demonstrating her love and loyalty as a sister.

Martha loved her family deeply. Towards the end of her life, she especially enjoyed her multiple daily talks to her favorite nephew Jim. Martha was housebound and Jim helped her live at home comfortably over the years.

She will be remembered for her kindness, warmth and love for her family and all creatures. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her brother George (Alice) Belknap Jr., her sister Helen, her nephew Jim Houston, and many other family members and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Byron and Ruth.

Graveside services will take place at 2pm on Friday, October 11, 2024 at Oakwood Cemetery. Kindly share thoughts and memories with her family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .