Martha Lou Abernathy passed away on July 4, 2024, in South Hutchinson, KS at Mennonite Friendship Communities, after a long battle with cancer.
Marti was born to Clair and Bonnie Gagnebin on October 12, 1951, in Hutchinson, KS. She grew up in Plevna, KS and was a graduate of Fairfield High School.
Marti married the love of her life in 1977. Marti and Dave moved from Hutchinson, KS to Marti’s family home in the Plevna area in 1983. Marti retired from Southwestern Bell/AT&T after 30 years of dedicated employment. Marti was very passionate about politics and volunteered many years locally at the voting booths. Marti was an avid collector. She collected Pez dispensers and miniature telephones and pretty rocks from places that she traveled over the years. She enjoyed teaching water aerobics at the YMCA. Marti was a great storyteller which is a special talent she passed down to her sons.
Marti is survived by her husband David Abernathy of Plevna; sons, Brady (Tiffany) Cooper, Jason Abernathy, and Justin Abernathy; eight grandchildren, Jacob (Shelby) Cooper, Tasha (Dan) Dieker, Mackala (Chris) Herrin, Adrianna Cooper, Autumn Griffith, Lillie Griffith, Caedan Griffith, and Aspen Abernathy; and eight great grandchildren; siblings Bonnie (Gary) Hutchinson, Russell (Shirley) Gagnebin, Glenn (Donna) Gagnebin, Ron Gagnebin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Tom and Jerry Taylor, eldest son Brian Cooper and his wife.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024, at Westside Baptist Church, 400 W. 12th Avenue, Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Adrian officiating. Burial will follow in Abbyville Cemetery. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday through Wednesday, at Elliott Mortuary. Family will greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Westside Baptist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.