Obituaries

Martha Bret

Mrs. Martha Bret, 86 of Tipton, died Thursday, October 31, 2013, at University Hospital in Columbia. She was born November 20, 1926, a daughter of Leo and Elizabeth Boillot Maassen. On August 31, 1946, at St. Louis of France Catholic Church in Bonnots Mill, she married Clarence Bret, who preceded her in death on December 10, 1988. Martha was a member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church and the Ladies Altar Sodality in Tipton. Spending time with her family was her greatest joy. She never missed an opportunity to attend sporting or other events of her grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She enjoyed baking her famous GG Bread and GG Cookies for her family. Martha also enjoyed playing cards and socializing with her many friends and having lunch at the Tipton Nutrition Center. Martha retired from Weber Shoe Company in 1989 after 31 years of service where she also served as an advocate for her fellow employees. Martha is survived by five children: Yvonne Kutz and husband Ben of Columbia, Pat Oligschlaeger and husband Dan of Tipton, Joe Bret and wife Maureen of Overland Park, Kan., Connie Eckerle and husband Darell of Pilot Grove, and Janie Monks and husband Jim of Bunceton. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren: Michelle Schawo, husband Kevin and daughter Courtney of Columbia; Nicholas Kutz of Columbia; Danielle Bennett, husband Erle and children Mary Kate, Claire and Cullen of Centralia; Tracee Claas, husband Peter and children Brennan, Mackenzie and Blake of Macon; Cara Haddad, husband Josh and sons Andrew and Alexander of Lee's Summit; Matt Bret, wife Mindi and daughters Tyler, Keira and Bailey of Shawnee, Kan.; Emily Gibbs, husband Bryan and daughters Riley and Finley of Englewood, Colo.; Jason Eckerle, wife Becky and children Max and Mia of Boonville; Shawna Meyer, husband Jonathan and daughter Elouise of Kansas City; Robin Monks, husband David Meador and sons Nick and Chris of Fenton; and Amy Yore, husband Yance and sons Dalton and Jack of Naperville, Ill. Also surviving are two brothers: Homer Maassen with wife Linda of Linn and Victor Maassen with wife Marcy of Florissant; and sisters-in-law, Ginny Maassen of Columbia, Ill. and Margaret Maassen of St. Charles. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Harold, Wilford, Elmer and William Maassen; and sisters-in-law: Clara Maassen and Marge Maassen. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m., Sunday, November 3 at Meisenheimer Funeral Home in Tipton with a prayer service at 4 p.m. and from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Monday November 4. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 4 at St. Andrew's Catholic Church in Tipton. Burial will be in St. Andrew's Cemetery. The family suggests memorials to St. Andrew's Cemetery Fund and the Moniteau County Nutrition Center in Tipton.

Published November 3, 2013