Chadrad.com

Martha Mae Raben’s long and full life ended on January 25, 2010 at the age of 94. She was born July 29, 1915, on the family farm northeast of Crawford, Nebraska to John and Martha (Blust) Milne. As the youngest daughter in a family of seven, she was fondly referred to as “Sis“ or “Baby Sis“. Martha spent her early years helping the family on the family farm or at the hotel in Marsland. She learned early in life that each member of the family, no matter how young, had specific responsibilities, a lesson that she perpetuated throughout her life. Martha attended elementary school at District 24 and she graduated from CrawfordHigh School with the class of 1933. There were plenty of obstacles to attending school. Most of the time she rode her pony, Dan, who would run off or buck her off into the cold water as they crossed White River. As it was important for her to continue her education, she attended ChadronNormal School for two years. However, attending college was expensive and she needed to find a way to pay the tuition. Fortunately, she found a job as the housekeeper for the dentist and his family in Chadron. Upon completing her two years of college, she taught school at Dawes County District 24 and later she taught the first grade class at CrawfordElementary School. It was against the rules to be married and teach school, but Martha was a risk-taker. She and Lorentz Frederick Raben eloped to Minatare, Nebraska, and were married on October 24, 1937. The farm one-mile south of Crawford became their home, where she lived until she moved to the Ponderosa Villa Nursing Home in 2004.

Lorentz and Martha were the proud parents of four daughters: Marilyn Kay Vencill, Anita Louise Lemons, Jacqulyn Mills and Jerilyn Eschenbrenner. It was not easy being the wife of a farmer and the mother of four children; however, she took her responsibilities seriously. She set very high standards for herself and her family. Her perfectionistic style was apparent in everything that she did including her appearance. She was a faithful and constant companion to Lorentz, her husband of 53 years before his death on March 18, 1991. As a mother, Martha taught her daughters that living on a farm meant team work, as it was the most efficient way to accomplish the hard work. One of her greatest pleasures was grooming her yard and tending to her beautiful flowers. Martha loved her grandchildren and her great- grandchildren. When they came to visit, she made sure they had a great time and, as a special treat, she would prepare their favorite meal. Also, she never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary, which meant a great deal to her family.

Martha worked diligently for the First Congregational Church. She taught Sunday school and played the piano for over 25 years. She was also an active member in the Women’s Fellowship. Martha’s contribution to the community included the CornValley 4-H Club, Royal Neighbors and the Crow Butte Homemakers Club.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Lorentz Federick Raben, Infant daughter, her brothers and sisters, Jim Milne, Isabelle Wolff, Ruby Hale, Wallace Milne, Bruce Milne, Burton Milne and grandson, Scott Taylor Lemons.