Martha C. Helling, a daughter of James Dedrich and Mary Alice Helling was born at Falls City, Nebr., August 16, 1856. It was said that she has been looking forth to the call and passed away restfully at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sadie Shirley, near, Norcatur, December 18, 1937 at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 2 days at the age of 79 years, 4 months and 2 days.

She was united in marriage to Ephriam Hoppes at Falls City, Nebraska, March 4, 1874. Their home was blessed with a family of ten children, five of whom survive, Henry of Lyle, Kansas; Dan of Alliance, Nebr.; Jim of Farnam, Neb., and Sadie Shirely of Norcatur, Ks. Her husband preceded her in death Aug. 27, 1916. Dedrich, Joe and Sydney Mable passed away in infancy. Cass passed away in young manhood and Manly, a world war veteran, lost his life by drowning.

Mother Hoppes came with the family from Falls City in the spring of 1885 to a homestead northeast of Norcatur in the Colony. In 1925 she moved to Farnam, Nebr., where she made her home until August 9, 1937 when she came to live with her daughter Sadie.

Through her illness she was quite patient and determined not to be a burden to anyone. Gospel hymns were among her treasurers of the soul which she enjoyed singing with the radio. Her request was that "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" be sung at this service, which she realized would be soon. She united with The Brethren Church in the Colony in 1892.

Memories of her virtues will be cherished by her five children, twenty grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, together with many friends.

The funeral services were conducted on Monday afternoon from the Community N.E. Church, sermon by Rev. R. R. Pfeiffer of the Lutheran Church, and burial made beside the husband at the Maple Grove Church, Colony, near where many years of her life was passed.

Norcatur Dispatch, 16 December 1937