Martha Garcia

Martha Garcia, 83 years old, passed away on November 1, 2017, at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND. During the last three days of Martha's earthly life she was surrounded by her loving family.

Services will be held on Saturday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m. at the Sisseton Senior Center (temporary home of the Sisseton Christian Missionary Alliance Church). The service will be officiated by Allen Kostboth. Music will be provided by Ember Dady with special music by Eduardo Martinez. Pallbearers consist of her grandchildren, Jorge Enrique, Juan Kostboth, Nicolas, Camilo, and Sara Martinez Garcia.

Martha's ashes will be spread in the North Platte River in Wyoming. The Eggers Funeral Home of Rosholt, SD, is in charge of the arrangements.

Martha was born in Cartago, Colombia, South America, on December 11 of 1933 to Roberto and Ligia (Ramirez) Gonzalez. Martha was the oldest of four siblings, Roberto, Fabiola, and Jorge Enrique. Martha graduated from high school "Inmaculado Corazón de Maria" before she met the love of her life Hildebrando Garcia.

Hildebrando and Martha joined together in marriage on April 10, 1950. They celebrated 50 years of marriage and from this union came three children. Henry (deceased), Marcie (Chuck) of Rosholt, SD, and Maria (Luis) of Denver, CO. Martha and Hildebrando came to the United States of America January 20, 1990, becoming USA citizens in 2001.

Martha demonstrated strong skills as a professional seamstress. She learned the art of ceramics and established her own shop where she created beautiful pieces. Along with her role as a homemaker, Martha used her skills as an opportunity to contribute to the family income.

Martha was part of various volunteer organizations such as the First Responders of Disasters, and the Blue Ladies. As a member of the First Responders of Disasters, she participated in rescue activities during Hurricane Andrew. She worked supporting sick people and their families as a Blue Lady in a major hospital in Medellin, Colombia.

Other signs of Martha's big heart were shown when she shared her home with people who needed a place to stay, sometimes without knowing who they were. Her generosity with the homeless was very unique. Her daughters remember her taking care of a street man in the neighborhood where they lived, providing him food, clean clothes, and sometimes letting him come in the home to take a shower.

Martha had a happy and festive spirit; she loved dancing and enjoyed jokes and laughter, something that died at the time her loving husband Hildebrando was called to be with the Lord.

Martha was very particular about her personal appearance. She never went out without putting on make-up, but especially without lipstick. She always looked at her daughters and said, "How pale you are; put at least some lipstick on." She also loved to have things in order and tidy. Even at the end of her days, nurses found her cleaning the floor of her room.

Due to issues at her present home, Tekakwitha Living Center, her family and friends had been praying Martha could find a home to remain close to her family. God took those prayers seriously and chose to move her and her soul next to her loving husband and next to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a new eternal home.

Martha was preceded in death by two brothers; her son Henry; and her loving husband. She is survived by her sister Fabiola Gonzalez of Colombia, SA; her daughters Marcie (Chuck) Kostboth of Rosholt, and Maria (Eduardo) Garcia of Denver; five grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and her beloved dog Sombra.