Martha Nelda Asbill-Eason

Martha lived a long and interesting life, filled with experiences uniquely her own. Independent and strong-willed, she knew what she liked, held firmly to her opinions, and approached life on her own terms. She had an adventurous spirit that took her far from her California beginnings and gave her a lifetime of stories to tell.

Martha grew up in California and, after marrying a man in the United States Air Force, had the opportunity to travel the world before eventually settling in Austin, Texas. She later worked for many years in administration for IBM Corporation.

Among Martha’s favorite pastimes were playing the piano, crocheting, and traveling. She especially loved sharing stories about the fascinating places she had visited, including Turkey, Lebanon, Greece, Italy, and Israel. One of those stories came from a trip to Israel in 1969 with her first husband, Kenneth Asbill, Sr., just two years after the Six-Day War. She remembered seeing burned-out tanks along the roads and other remnants of the recent conflict. During their travels, they also stayed at a kibbutz—an experience Martha readily admitted was not particularly to her liking. Still, she went, experienced it, and had a story to tell afterward. That was part of Martha’s adventurous spirit.

Her Christian faith was an important part of her life. She treasured her belief in Jesus Christ and enjoyed attending church and sharing fellowship with other believers. Her faith remained a source of meaning and comfort throughout her life.

Perhaps one of Martha’s greatest adventures was raising her three sons, whom she loved and of whom she was very proud. Over the years, her family grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, adding new generations to the story of her long life.

Martha is survived by her brother, George Warner; sisters, Audrey Petrillo and her husband, Pete, and Carol Dorn and her husband, Dan; sons, Kenneth Asbill Jr. and Steven Asbill and his wife, Shelly; grandchildren, Kenneth Asbill III, Daniel Asbill, Tera Horsman, Vanessa Cervantes, and Hondo Lopez; as well as many great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, several siblings and her son Mark Asbill.

Martha experienced much during her 88 years—a changing world, faraway places, family, faith, work, music, and adventures both large and small. She lived with independence and conviction, leaving behind stories and memories that are uniquely hers.

Funeral services will be announced at a later date.