Martha Jean Compton, 95, died peacefully Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at Kiowa District Manor in Kiowa, Kansas.

Martha was born November 8, 1921 in Michigan City, Indiana to John William and Etta Mae (Lindsey) Heichel. She grew up in Michigan City and attended public school there.

On September 11, 1949 she married Arnold Compton at Morganfield, Kentucky. During their marriage they lived in St. Charles, Missouri; Worchester, Massachusetts; Clovis, New Mexico; and finally Dodge City, Kansas, where they raised their family. Martha taught her children the love of family and each member of her immediate and extended family was treasured. Children always held a special place in her heart. She looked for the best in those she encountered and strove to bring them hope and encouragement.

During her lifetime she worked at Allis Chalmers, House of Fabrics, U.S.D. 443 as a school cook , and seasonally in floral design for local florists. Although she was an accomplished seamstress and wonderful cook, her passion was gardening and flower arranging. She diligently worked to be a Master Judge of Flower Shows for the National Council of State Garden Clubs, which allowed her to judge at local, county, and state exhibits by invitation.

At First Baptist Church and later as a charter member of Grace Community Church, Martha was actively involved in Sunday School, Bible studies, choir, Kid's Club, women's groups, church functions involving food service, and as a prayer warrior. Her faith guided her life and her gentle ways. Her greatest gift was the many in season weekly altar floral arrangements, which she lovingly created with the flowers from her garden.

Arnold and Martha enjoyed traveling and visited most of the states in the U.S., and they also traveled in Mexico and Canada. When they were out in the beauty of God's nature, they were at home. She loved to track the birds and the wildflowers of each new place. They made friends wherever they roamed.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Arnold; three brothers and spouses, Donald, George (Berniece) and John (Jerry) Heichel; three sisters and spouses, Lillian (Paul) Druley, Lena Wurm, Edith (Joseph) Kalil; and one son, Ronald Compton.

Survivors include one daughter, Jeannie and husband Bob Albright and of Hazelton; one son, John and wife Michelle of San Bruno, California; one twin sister, Mary McConnell of Michigan City, Indiana; grandchildren: Michael Albright of San Antonio, Texas; Chris Albright and wife Jayme of Minot, North Dakota; Sara Compton of San Bruno, California; and one great grandson: Talon Albright of Minot, North Dakota.

Funeral service will be held at Grace Community Church, Dodge City on Monday February 20, 2017 at 2:00 PM with Rev. Kirk Larson presiding. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery, Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel, Dodge City on Sunday February 19, 2017 from noon to 6:00PM. Memorials are suggested to Grace Community Church or Hospice of the Prairie in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.