Martha Jo Brinkerhoff Grobecker (Marti), a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and missionary, passed away on the evening of May 30th, 2024, just eleven days shy of her 70th birthday, due to pancreatic cancer. From the time she was born on June 10, 1954, in Lovell, Wyoming, to LaVell and Rhoda May Christensen Brinkerhoff, Marti’s life was marked by grace, resilience, a spirit of service, and an unwavering love for God that touched all who knew her.
From the time she was crawling, Marti faced significant health challenges. In fact, her mother noticed that one of her legs was significantly longer while measuring Marti for trousers as a toddler. Her leg continued to give her trouble which culminated in a bungled surgery that caused gangrene. Marti’s leg had to be amputated as a teenager. Marti met each new challenge with a smile and a cheerfulness that masked her ever-present pain. Her enduring strength and relentless optimism were testaments to her deep faith in God and His Son, Yeshua. Her life was a beautiful illustration of love, wisdom, and service, even as she carried the weight of her pain with grace and dignity.
Marti loved the outdoors and the vistas that the West provided. Her father’s jobs moved her and the family of five brothers from Wyoming to Montana and back to the Bighorn Basin where she graduated from high school in Jackson Hole. As a child, she had a beautiful palomino horse named “Sissy,” that she had fond memories of. The love of horses continued throughout her life until the final week before her passing when she connected with some “gentle giants” from her wheelchair.
In her college years, Marti’s leg loss never stopped her. She gathered many friends and was always hosting parties. She would go to young adult dances and dance without her prosthesis! Everyone was drawn to her strength and gentle, non-judgmental soul. Marti took business courses which helped her in later years as a legal assistant and in managing a government office for Salt Lake City and County.
Marti married David Merrill Johansson, later divorced, and together they had three wonderful children, Allison, Analeis, and Michael. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and brought Marti the most profound joy. She later married Colin John Grobecker, who became an excellent stepfather to her children. Although this marriage also ended in divorce, she cherished the relationships and experiences that came from this union.
Marti loved being a mother. After work, she made the evenings a priority. She made home-cooked meals for her children, cheered at games or worked the concession stand, took them sledding, got on the floor to play, surprised them with toys or movies, and read to her kids until they were “too old” to read to. Once, when Analeis was embarrassed about having a one-legged Mom, Marti folded her stump into a face and made it talk to her. She always used her humor and laughter in difficult situations.
As her children became adults, their friendship was one of her greatest treasures. The time spent with them was so important to her, especially during these last months. She talked often about their support and help and how she loved their company. When grandchildren came, Marti’s love overflowed. Lyla, Ezra, and Martha Rose cherished their time with their Grandma beyond words. Marti took them to the gardens, had sleepovers, and spent time teaching them about everything she knew. Her home was a refuge for them. She filled it with beauty and was always willing to share her love-filled space.
Marti’s passions were as diverse as they were profound. She found joy in gardening, cultivating exquisite roses that everyone enjoyed, and had a special fondness for English gardens. She planted “fairy trees” in the backyard and told her children to look for the fairies who lived in them. Her children would play on a blanket while she weeded or pruned. In later years, Marti would gather friends for a “Rose Tea Party” amidst her carefully-tended plants. Her deep love for nature and surrounding herself with beauty was keenly demonstrated in this special place. Akin to her love for mother nature, was also learning about its medicinal plants and how to care for the body holistically. Marti was deeply connected to the earth.
Marti's life was a testament to her love for the living God and His Son, Yeshua. His grace was so important to her. She expressed her faith daily through wisdom, service, and a profound love for others. Her spiritual journey took her down many paths, but they were each lit by the light of Christ. Marti influenced many people to develop a greater relationship with God- through Jesus Christ- via uplifting thanksgiving, praise, and worship music. Marti’s spirit soared through her love of dance and music. It was her passion. Much like King David, she praised the living God with joyful dances. In 2009, Marti organized a small worship dance group for women that she called “The Honeycomb.” Gathering together and the symbolism of bees were very spiritually significant to Marti. Her home reflected this theme. These gatherings expanded as Marti brought more women together over the years. Without exaggeration, its sacred influence will continue to be felt for generations. She often remarked about God’s sense of humor that He used a woman with one leg to teach worship dance. Marti’s great love and knowledge in this area was significant, bringing hope, peace, and comfort to so many who were seeking. Marti was a valiant warrior of light who used music and dance to overcome darkness and lift the soul.
Marti was also a dedicated scholar, editor, and researcher. Studying symbolism and the significance of numbers absorbed her. Once she had studied a topic thoroughly, she would write in beautiful prose what she had learned and the connections made, photocopy it, and pass it to her friends. Marti was perceptive. She was encouraging. She was a true seeker of truth who was always eager to share new knowledge and insights. She loved to read and discuss Bible-centered books, passing on her love of the Jewish holy days and creating activities to celebrate them. Many people called Marti a “connector,” as she brought community together in bonds that will last a lifetime because of these events. Maya Angelou could have been describing Marti when she wrote, "A great soul serves everyone all the time. A great soul never dies. It brings us together again and again." Marti continually enriched the lives of those around her.
Martha Jo Grobecker leaves behind her loving children, Allison Johansson, Analeis (Richard Larsen), Michael Johansson, and her cherished grandchildren, Lyla, Ezra, and Martha Rose. Nothing will ever fill the gap she has left. They cannot wait to see her again. She also leaves behind her five brothers and their families: Dick, Jeff, Jim, Steve, and Val, who were blessed beyond measure to have her and her them. She also leaves countless bereft friends and loved ones, who will forever treasure the memories of her love, wisdom, and joyful spirit. It feels as if the world is in a great pause since she left us. Marti will be sorely missed by family, friends and her who knew her.
We will meet to celebrate her well-lived life on June 7th, 2024, 2:00 pm, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S Highland Dr, Millcreek, Ut 84106. Light refreshments will be served following the service. Please wear bright colors in honor of Marti’s garden.
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