A sweet person &  very close to The Mays family...Blessings & peace...

I left Austin, Texas in 2014 and I've just learned of the passing of Martha Ward. I met Martha through our neighborhood association and she was what I consider to be one of the great ladies of Texas. She shared with me that she was a 6th generation “Austinite”, and she had all the character and bravado of other great Texas ladies I’ve had the honor of knowing or briefly crossing paths with over the years. Ladies like Liz Carpenter, who invited me to her home to chat on her back lawn before attending a “howl at the moon” party. Or Anne Richards, who I’m sure everyone reading this has either heard of, heard from, or otherwise known in some capacity. Ladies with “umph” who shoot from the hip, ride life hard and put it up wet. That was Martha. And Martha seemed to know everyone. Or she was about to. But more than that, Martha was one of those people who, when you went somewhere with her you knew you'd be meeting lots of other interesting people. She was a true “connector”. I once shared with Martha that I have a frequent debate with myself about whether she is Dolly Levi or Mame Dennis. I think she is some combination of each with a whole lot of unique Martha as a foundation.
Martha once invited me to a dinner she hosted at her home for “Global Austin”, hosting a delegation from Turkmenistan who were interested in learning about human and civil rights focused on people with disabilities. It was one of the most interesting evenings I’ve ever had. The food, the people, the conversation were all more than I expected. At the end of the evening Martha thanked everyone for their company saying "Over the years there have been hundreds of people from all walks of life and from many different countries who have sat at this table. You're all always welcome here. When we come together, we get to see how small our world really is and just how easy it is to join hands and discover how much alike we truly are."  The world is a much lonelier place without Martha.
Peacefuljourney!

My condolence to the Kooch-Ward family...May God give you peace and love....I truly enjoyed my last visit with Martha several months ago....Blessings to the family....John mays & family

On Saturday evening, October 8, 2022, I found out that Martha made her transition. I felt sad. I along with Chanatip “Tip” Laongsri are lifetime friends and coworkers. I met Martha in 1996 when we worked for the Family Pathfinders program at the Texas Comptroller’s Office with Lucy Todd, former Bastrop County Judge, Ronnie McDonald, and Geneva Jimenez. We worked together from 1996 until I retired in 2011. Martha was very passionate and gifted in her work with people and giving service. 

She was also so unforgettable and comforted you in such a loving way. Martha comforted me and my family during the loss of my son and later, my mother. 

I last fellowshipped with Martha in June 2022 when Tip and I joined her for lunch at our favorite restaurant, Arpeggios. Here’s a picture of one of our many lunch dates. 

Martha was one of a kind! Her transition has drawn deep emotional pain but today, we are choosing to celebrate Martha, her life, and her legacy. I pray that God comforts and gives strength to her daughter Mary, her family, and everyone who loved her. 

I know she loved poetry and she wouldn’t want me to be sad…so in my own words, I created the following poem for Martha: 

“Forever Martha”

Martha was a type of female warrior. If she felt fear, you would never know.
Just like the wind blows; “Forever Martha” would take on the wind and allow life to flow.

Martha was adored because she saw the potential in others and inspired them to be intentional in their life and attitude. “Forever Martha” was a giver and so full of gratitude!

“Forever Martha” will always be unforgettable because of the permanent impression she leaves like a work of art…giving us a glimpse into God’s heart!
                                                                                                   ~Connie Williams


My deepest condolences to the family.   Martha always enjoyed your laughter and words of Wisdom.  It was great working with you.  ❤️Geneva 

I just found out that my dear friend Martha passed away and it makes me so sad. We worked together at Dept. of Health and Human Services and became good friends. We continue to see each other after our retirement from the State. Connie, Martha and I would have lunch together and talked about our lives. I went to Martha’s house many times. The last time I saw her in June, we agreed that when I came to Austin again I would cook her some Thai food at her house. Sadly, that didn’t happen.

Martha inspired me with her wonderful spirit. She was happy, loving, accepting and gregarious. She was intuitive and always eager to learn something new. She embraced her life and all lives and cultures around her.

Rest in peace, my dear friend. I will miss you so dearly.

Love,

Chanatip “Tip” Laongsri

Martha,   the Gift giver, she was always passing out her time and her talent to family, her many friends and the community.  On my visits to her home we always engaged in delightful witty conversation and laughter.  I always left with more pep in my step.  I am grateful to have known her.  She Was a Gift to many ,  and boy could she wear a hat.  
  
Michael Wolfe

Our sympathies and condolences to family and friends.  We both very much regret that we will not be there but we just found out this morning (8.10) and are obligated elsewhere.   We are grateful for the many years we were friends, neighbors, and collaborators with Martha.  We will miss her energy, cheer, and eagerness to take on tasks.  She was a most worthwhile person.

Martha … Force of nature, superior sympathetic ear, joy, joy, joy personified! For over 40 years I always knew we could pick up right where we left off -like it was yesterday. Brilliant! Creative!
Wild Basin Wilderness Benefit to Any Baby Can Luncheon- she always worked for good causes. Advice for my aging friends. Big Bend! Tehuacana! Community creator! So blessed to call her friend. Like none other! Miss her so.
Ginny Welch Dameron

How I miss Martha's presence on this earth, and miss my dear cousin, whom I was lucky enough to see last April--what a gift.   Martha was always so loving, kind, and creative,  and did so much to help others. 
 We all miss you so much.



MARTHA WAS AT A FORCE OF NATURE AND A WONDERFUL, OUTSPOKEN, BEAUTIFUL SOUL. HER BOUNDLESS ENERGY, CURIOSITY AND THIRST FOR LIFE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL OF US HERE IN AUSTIN AND I'M SURE BY ALL WHO KNEW HER AROUND THE WORLD. 
REST WELL MARTHA MAY YOU FLY ON  EAGLES WINGS!
PEACE, LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING 
CHRISTOPHER HYNES AND OLIVIA PRIMANIS

Oh, Dear Martha, 
 What a sparkling spirit!  I could trust her to lead me to bright and beautiful ideas, people and places.  I could share a confidence with her and feel understood.  She called me 'Precious' and made me feel that way.  When my son was small, he told my Mother, "For an old lady, you play like a young girl."  I have always aspired to deserve that sentiment for myself.  Martha deserved it too...she always knew how to find fun and enjoy it.  Martha found humanity in everyone and shared her heart and attention with those who crossed her path.  Her legacy is full of stars!  I will miss her.
Pattye Henderson

Martha was a protector and guardian of humanity.  She helped me thru a rough spot in my life:  like she helped so many others regardless of whether they realized or not  or even appreciated it or not . She was always there.  I will  miss her!

OBITUARIO

Martha Koock Ward

22 octubre, 1948 – 29 septiembre, 2022

Cook-Walden Funeral Home

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