Martha Ann Hooper passed away on November 5, 2025, at the age of 97. A Funeral Mass will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, located at 5711 SW 9th St, Des Moines, Iowa, on November 12, 2025, at 11:30 am. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Martha will be laid to rest at Resthaven Mausoleum, located at 801-19th Street, West Des Moines.
Martha Ann Collins Hooper was born on May 15, 1928, to Clifford and Edith Collins in Waterbury, Vermont, she was one of 13 children. Martha graduated from high school in Waterbury and went on to attend nursing school in Burlington, Vermont. Martha's career choice surprised no one as she demonstrated a strong desire to serve others at a young age.
On July 1, 1950, Martha married James Hooper Sr. at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Waterbury, Vermont. Together, they raised seven children. Jim Sr. was a career service man, so Martha and family spent 20 years crossing the country and oceans to the next duty station. He passed in 1984. Throughout the years Martha's faithful, selfless, and generous soul bound her family together and guided them through good and challenging times.
After serving 40 years in various VA Hospitals, Martha retired but continued working part-time for another several years in different health care occupations. After her husband’s death, she moved back to Iowa to be near her children and grandchildren. She joined Christ the King Catholic Church in Des Moines, Iowa and remained a member until her passing.
Martha was generous to a fault but tough enough to say no when it was needed. She loved her family, faith, and fellow man and never passed up an opportunity to donate her time and money for a child or an animal in need. She was a mentor, role model and protector and made everyone better who were lucky enough to know her.
Martha is preceded in death by her husband and siblings. She is survived by her children: James Hooper (Bonnie), Mary Hyde (Ron), Linda Marker, Albert Hooper (Renae), Susan Schneider (Merle), Margaret Williams (Andy), Joan Haywood, 18 Grandchildren, 44 Great Grandchildren, and 7 Great, Great Grandchildren.
