Martha Joan Nottingham

Martha Joan Nottingham departed this earthly life surrounded by loved ones on December 18th, 2023. It feels impossible to describe the amount of love that her life encompassed. All of America celebrates her birthday on July 4th, 1952. She was born in Minco, OK., and raised in Manila/McKinleyville, CA. Martha was one of seven children born to Walter and Ruby (Fike) Odom. Preceded in death by her siblings; Dean (Odom) Humphry, Pam Odom, Jerry Odom, Joe Odom, and Donnie Odom. She married the love of her life, William "Manley" Nottingham, on August 27th, 1975 in Rockford, IL. She and her husband moved to the Rockford area in 1973. They were blessed with two beautiful children; Jerimiah Nottingham (Clint Kilber), and Deana (Tim) Hieb. Later in life, Martha welcomed Jodie Kozuszko (a close friend of Deana) into the family, often referring to her as a "bonus daughter". Martha's greatest joy in life was being a "Nana" to her five grandchildren; William Hieb, Nolan Hieb, Taylor Hieb, Lynnea (Caleb) Blatchford, and Koby Nottingham. She was elated to get to know her great grandchildren, Eliana and Emery Blatchford, to whom she claimed the title of the best "baby holder". She had spent the better half of the last three years snuggling a baby to sleep- her favorite job to date. Martha loved with her whole heart. She had never met a stranger. She was a kind soul, who touched the lives of anyone she crossed paths with, including animals in need- a sick crow, and injured squirrel just to name a couple. Martha enjoyed a wide array of music ranging from Fats Domino- Rhythm and Blues to Anne Murray- Country, which she had spent many years listening to while she cooked enough to feed an army for our small family get togethers. To say family was everything to her would be an understatement. She had said many times that she never thought she would be able to have children; because of that she never took a single moment for granted. To her, being able to see her grandchildren graduate high school, dance at her granddaughter's wedding, and sing happy birthday to both of her great granddaughters was like winning the lottery. If you were fortunate enough to meet Nana, then you can agree- "to know her is to love her," and if love could have saved her, she would have lived forever. Celebration of life and luncheon for Mary as well as her husband, William; will be held at the Rotary River Center, 1160 S. Riverside Dr. Beloit, WI 5311 on May 11, 2024 at 11 am.

Martha Joan Nottingham

July 4, 1952 - December 15, 2023