Obituary of Martha Ellen Sanderson Smith

Martha Ellen Sanderson Smith, age 83, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023, at home surrounded by a loving family. Martha was born May 31, 1940, in Franklin County, Kentucky to Orville Clay and Leona Bell Newton Sanderson. Martha was raised in Forks of Elkhorn with her 2 brothers and 7 sisters.

Martha met the love of her life, Maurice Glen Smith at Elkhorn School. Maurice and Martha were married on December 21, 1957, at the home of Reverend Roy Lyons. Martha was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and favorite aunt of many.

Her husband Maurice had joined the US Navy in 1956 and was based at Jacksonville Naval Air Station in Florida. Shortly after their marriage, they moved to Florida and Martha began adjusting to life as the wife of a sailor who served aboard the USS Intrepid as a fighter jet mechanic. During their time as a Navy couple, their son Jeffrey Wayne was born in 1959. After Maurice’s honorable service ended in 1960, the young family moved back home to Frankfort, Kentucky. After returning home to Kentucky, Martha continued being a wonderful homemaker and they were blessed with a daughter, Rebecca Ellen in 1962 and another son, Maurice Timothy in 1968. After completing her education, she began a career in state government where she retired after many years of service.

Early in their marriage, Maurice and Martha had discovered the beautiful Atlantic beaches and enjoyed romantic moonlit drives on Daytona Beach. After moving back to Kentucky, they, along with other family members including in-law families, would frequently vacation in their favorite seaside destination, Daytona Beach, Florida. No matter where she was, she always loved spending time with her huge family and cooking for everyone, especially her macaroni casserole.

Martha is survived by her son Jeffrey Wayne Smith (Sandy), daughter Rebecca Ellen Smith Burke, and son Maurice Timothy “Tim” Smith (Jennifer). She is also survived by her grandchildren: Leslie “Wayne” Clay Smith, Rachel Elizabeth Ellen Bowman, Nicholas Cody Holloway (Erika), Allison Leslie Smith Mueller (Christopher), Daniel Thomas Holloway, Katlyn Jo Smith Aeh (Nathan), Marissa Nicole Miller (Dale Goins), Jameson Cade Miller (Ashley Scott), Matthew Timothy Smith (Audrey), Clara Grace Ellen Smith. Great Grandchildren: Thea “Teddi” Mueller, Hailey Madison Ellen Goins, Damon Caleb Goins, Sylvia Maeve Hope Goins, Ansley Kate Bowman, Victoria Rose Mueller, Palmer Reese Holloway, Esme Soleil Goins, and James Glen Aeh. Martha’s elder grandsons will serve as pall bearers. All other grandchildren and great Grandchildren will serve as honorary pall bearers.

Martha is also survived by her brother David Earl Sanderson (Mary), sisters Betty Carrier, Jane Barnett, Wanda Carris (Dennis), Linda Moore (Bill), Judy Wingate, Paula Round, Rosemary Sanderson, sisters-in-law Geri Hockensmith Sanderson and Janice Lee Smith Cunningham (David), as well as many, many nieces, and nephews.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Maurice Glen Smith, parents, Orville Clay and Leona Bell Newton Sanderson, brother Albert Douglas “Doug” Sanderson, brothers-in-law Reuben Eugene Smith, Roy Douglas Barnett and Bobby Carrier, sister-in-law Betty Cunningham Smith, nephew Michael David Cunningham, son-in-law Michael Paul Burke, as well as her great-niece Daphne LaRae Scruggs Fields.

Martha was a long-time member of Thornhill Baptist and Buck Run Baptist Churches. Clark Legacy Center is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be at Clark Legacy Center in Frankfort on Thursday December 7, 2023, from 5 until 7pm. Visitation will also be on Friday December 8 from 12:00 until the funeral service at 1:00pm. Burial service will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Memorial Chapel at 2:00pm. Services will be officiated by Pastor Wes Noss.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to Hospice of the Bluegrass or to DaphnesLegacy.com in memory of Martha’s niece Daphne LaRae Scruggs Fields.