Martha Irene (Ikenouye) Masden was the fifth child born to Herb and Melba Ikenouye on August 16, 1956 in Greeley, Colorado. A farming and ranching family, Martha and her family lived in Roggen, Colorado during her childhood. She graduated from Weld Central High School in 1974. After graduating, Martha attended the Highland Hills Beauty School in Greeley, CO where she mastered the skills of hair cutting and styling. She graciously shared her talents with her extended family and friends whom received home haircuts and perms for many years. When her brothers and sisters moved to farm in eastern Colorado and western Nebraska, Martha made the four-hour from Denver many times for visits that were much anticipated by her nieces and nephews who adored her. After graduating from Highland Hill Beauty school in 1976, Martha worked at Michael of the Carlyle in Denver, CO.
In 1981, she married Rob Masden but they later divorced. In 1984, they welcomed a daughter, Brittany and their son, Kyle, was welcomed into the family in 1987. Martha spent the next few years focusing her love and attention on Brittany and Kyle. When they both graduated from high school Martha worked very hard to send her kids to college. She was extremely proud to see them both graduate from college. During the spring and summer, Martha could be found outside in the yard tending to her beautiful flower gardens. In the fall and winter, she was often baking or making a big family dinner on Sunday. Every year at Christmas she gathered her family for a baking day a tradition that we will continue in her memory.
In 2002, Martha started working at Adams County as a Senior Exemption Clerk. Here she touched and affected many lives with her innate kindness. During this time Martha also became a Grammy to her wonderful granddaughters Keira and Gracie.
When the effects of ALS made working too difficult Martha left Adams County to spend time enjoying life with her partner Nic, her children, grandchildren, family and friends. In the last years, Martha and Nic laughed through the hard times, cherished everyday moments, and sought adventure through travels with family. In May 2019 they went on a Caribbean cruise and to Disney World with Brittany’s family. Martha was a member of the James Memorial United Methodist Church in Hudson for many years and recently a member of the Brighton United Methodist Church. Martha faced the challenges of ALS with determination as remained a support to her family and friends. In the last years, Martha met many others whose lives and loved ones have been affected by ALS. She found support, kindness, and love from people whom shared this one common indiscriminating connection.
Martha will always be in our hearts as we remember the love and joy, she shared with us. Our time together was too short, and we will never feel like it was enough. Even during the hardest times, Martha’s ever- present smile and easy laughter lifted us all. She will forever be with us.
Martha is survived by her daughter Brittany (Derek) Ewigleben, son Kyle Masden, granddaughters, Keira and Gracie Ewigleben. Her partner Nic Mailo. Her father Herb Ikenouye. Brothers Gerald (Barb) Ikenouye, Ken (Sandy) Ikenouye. Sisters Karen (Steve) Howard and Teresa (Charlie) Hall. Numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. She was proceeded in death by her beloved mother Melba Ikenouye.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, June 19, 2021 at Brighton Methodist Church, Brighton, Colorado. Please visit www.StoddardSunset.com to share your condolences and memories with her family.
