Martha A Bellah

Martha Anne Bellah, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and teacher, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at home on February 2, 2023, after a courageous battle with stage four lung cancer. She was born on November 9, 1949, in McKinney, Texas, to Grover Gordon and Martha Jo (Henslee) Bellah. Martha grew up in Frisco and Richardson, Texas as the eldest of four siblings. From a young age, she developed her lifelong faith, joy of the outdoors, love for games and passion for knowledge. Her family spent time making lifelong memories playing games together and sharing wonderful family vacations with many adventures to national parks. Martha loved the water, spending time boating, skiing and scuba diving to enjoy the wonders of nature.     Martha graduated from Richardson High School in 1968, where she played the flute and exuded a joy for life, learning, and creativity. She continued her passion for creativity and design in college earning a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design and Home Economics from Texas Tech University and a master’s degree in Clothing and Textiles from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M University – Commerce. Martha had two sons, Sam and John Tower, who brought her immense joy and happiness. She cherished her time staying home to raise them while they were young. She was a loving mother who supported their exploration and education. She was proud of their accomplishments and academic success as they grew. As her boys grew older, she returned to her passion for sharing knowledge through teaching. She began at John Jay High School before transitioning to her ultimate calling in teaching early elementary students at Scobee Elementary. In the classroom, Martha was a light that captured her students’ attention and interests. She patiently helped encourage her students to learn grow. Martha also enjoyed training the next generation of teachers. She retired in 2020 after 30 years of teaching. Martha’s three granddaughters, Rebekah, Jordon, and Eden Tower were the newest joys of her life. She loved for each to share their individual joy and talents with her. She had seemingly endless patience and attention for every story they shared and game they played. She also showed love and encouragement for every up and down they experienced.   Martha had a generous spirit and would give deeply to help those in need. Throughout her life, she continued to travel and experience the world around her through scuba diving, exploring state parks, or watching the autumn changing of the leaves. She was able to embrace nature and celebrate God's amazing creation even during the hardest of times. Martha walked closely with God and her faith helped carry her through all the joys and tribulations of life. Martha is preceded in death by her parents. Martha is survived by sons Sam Tower, John Tower and wife Candace, granddaughters Rebekah Tower, Jordon Tower, and Eden Tower. She is also survived by siblings Dr. Gordon Bellah, Jr. and wife Kathleen, Susan Starling and husband Winton, Betty Olson and husband Grieg, as well as nieces and nephews James Bellah, David Bellah, Rachel (Gonzales) Dickerson and husband Nick, Daniel Gonzales, Jamie (Olson) Waters and husband Peter, Alan Olson, and great nephews and niece, Mason Dickerson, Carter Dickerson, and Eloise Dickerson.  Services will be held at University United Methodist Church on Sunday, March 5th at 2 p.m. In lieu of gifts, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society.