Martha Higgins

Martha Ann Higgins was born on January 31, 1941, the daughter of George and Fern Marie (Lomax) Hunter in New Market, Iowa. She graduated from Manilla High School with the class of 1958.

On November 7, 1958, Martha married Norman Malone in Dow City. Together, they built a life on farms near Buck Grove, Denison, and later the Dow City area. As a devoted homemaker, Martha balanced raising her children with helping on the farm, demonstrating resilience and warmth through life's challenges. After the passing of her first husband in 1978, Martha found love again and married Ed Higgins on October 27, 1979, in her Dow City home.

Martha’s dedication to her community and family was evident in her many roles over the years, including her work at the Dubuque Packing Plant, Boeck Bulldozing, and H&R Block. She began her spiritual journey at the Congregational Church in Arion before being baptized at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City, where she remained a faithful member.

She was an active member of the Red Hats and loved sharing laughter over coffee with friends at Rita’s Café and Kay Lou Nelson’s home in Dow City. In her earlier years, she enjoyed being part of the Denison bowling league. At home, she found joy in working on puzzles and, most importantly, in the company of her family, whom she adored deeply.

Martha passed away on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at St. Anthony Hospital in Carroll at the age of 83 years, 11 months and 14 days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Norman Malone; husband, Ed Higgins; two children: Debra Soll and Dan Malone; sisters: Kathy Hunter and Bernice (Bernard) Lauritsen and Connie (Herb) King. 

Martha is survived by her son, George (Julie) Malone of Dow City; nine grandchildren: Jeff Malone, Keith (Sarah) Malone, Will Soll, Derek (Christy) Soll, Corey (Alison) Malone, Richie (Amy) Malone, Ashley Reisinger, Taylor Poston and Danielle Malone; 22 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

Visitation with the family greeting friends will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Her Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Dow City with burial to follow in the Dow City Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family.