Martha Chrietzberg

Martha Jean Verser Chrietzberg, 96, of Lonoke, died peacefully on May 2, 2018, surrounded by family.  She was born in Lonoke, Arkansas on July 13, 1921 to Earl E. Verser, Sr. and Maggie Jane Tedford Verser, one of their 11 children, eight of whom lived to adulthood.

Much of Martha’s energy was centered around her family.  The six sisters and two brothers were exceptionally close.  She bore no children of her own, but lavished attention and love on her 18 nieces and nephews.  “Aunt Martha” was special to each and every one of them.  The extended family had a Verser reunion every year.

She married Charles L. Rogers, of Cabot, Arkansas.  He was a test pilot and naval aviator stationed in California during WWII.  Charles was performing a high altitude test when his plane went down and was killed.  Martha accompanied the coffin home alone on the train.  She spoke of the kindness of the conductors who often sat with her on the long ride back to Arkansas.  She and Charles were married only four months.

Returning home, Martha graduated from Capitol City Business School.  She was employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield in Little Rock where she worked for thirteen years.

She married Ray Chrietzberg, an alumnus of Auburn University in Alabama.  They had a long, happy life together and were married for 50 years.

Martha was an astute business person.  She owned several businesses and was still managing two of them at age 91 while living in a nursing home.  She was an animal lover.  She bred and showed collies in competitive dog shows and displayed dozens of their trophies in her home office.

Martha was an active member of Lonoke United Methodist Church, serving with the Altar Guild and various church-wide committees.  She was faithful with her service and support until her death.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Allene Rauch, Josephine Bryant, Lucille Baker, Evelyn Hauk, Carolyn Oudin, Earl Verser, Jr. and Jerry Verser.  Survived by: sister-in-law Lydia Verser, brother-in-law Marc Oudin along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Her long and rich life, built around her devotion for her large extended family, was a tribute for those who loved her.

The family requests that memorials be made to: Lonoke First United Methodist Church, PO Box 152, Lonoke, AR 72086 or to Kindred Hospice, 10800 Financial Centre Parkway, Suite 380, Little Rock, AR 72211.

The funeral will be held Saturday, May 5 at 10:30 A.M., with visitation one hour earlier at Lonoke First United Methodist Church.

Online guestbook, www.boydfuneralhome.net.