Martha Ella Wright

Martha Ella Wright, 96, of Copperas Cove and formerly of Abilene, passed away on Monday, February 27, 2023 in Copperas Cove. She was born on November 21, 1926, in Hamlin, Texas to the late Rickie Rister and Bessie Sellers Rister. On November 24, 1946 she eloped with her sweetheart, Ernest Henry Wright. They were married for 66 years before his passing in 2013. Martha was a wonderful, Godly woman who was always called upon to pray for her family and others. She developed this faith because as a young child she became gravely ill, and her mother’s prayers were answered. Martha recovered almost immediately. Another time, when they had no food, her father prayed all night long and the next day necessary food staples including fuel for the stove were delivered by a stranger. As young children, Martha and her brother Marvin were baptized together in Mulberry Creek near Merkel, where her family moved shortly after she was born. She was a great storyteller about all the true events that took place in her life including the hardships of growing up during the Great Depression. She was a member of North Main Church of God, Weatherford and loved attending First Baptist Church of Horseshoe Bend. She was a member of the Quilting Club in Abilene, Christian Women’s Club in Ft. Worth, and the Colleyville Garden Club. Also, she attended Tarrant County Junior College and Weatherford College. Martha loved hosting fantastic gatherings for any occasion, especially Christmas with the best Christmas Eve parties. Bringing her family and friends together brought Martha immense joy and produced memories that will forever be cherished. Ernest and Martha resided in Weatherford for 31 years. Memories of that home include the driveway lined in pine trees planted by them, the little church house built by Ernest, which was filled full of Martha’s collections, the pear orchard, her beautiful rose garden, playing pool and pinball in the game room at the barn, and many other fun outdoor activities.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Cleveland and husband Larry of Abilene, Judy Andrews and husband Wayne of Lampasas, Ernie Wright and wife Kathy of Ft. Worth and Janet Curry and husband Randy of Lott; grandchildren, Tim, Jennifer, Misty, Sarah, Scott, Shelly, Cristy, Josh, and Amanda; and 16 cherished great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her four beloved brothers Marvin, Rickie Jr., Joe and Johnny Rister, twin sons, Tommy Lynn and Jerry Glen, a great grandson, Brayden, and her favorite Aunt Agnes who was a positive influence and great encourager throughout her life.

A visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Friday, March 3, 2023 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 US Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Texas. Funeral services will be 11:30 AM Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Red Waller officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel.

Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Kitner, Tim Wright, Scott Andrews, Robert Andrews, Travis Hughbanks and Brad Berry.