Martha Lea Fox

Martha Lea Fox March 2, 1946 - December 2, 2023 East Wenatchee, Washington Martha Lea Fox, 77, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, December 2, 2023. Martha was born March 2, 1946 to Ivan and Ethel Hougham in Holyoak, Colorado. Her father’s new job with the Forest Service and a three day train ride brought Martha and her family from Colorado to Leavenworth, WA in 1951. Another Forest Service assignment brought the family to Ellensburg, WA in 1957; then back to Cashmere, Wa in 1959, until finally settling in Wenatchee, WA in 1962. Martha graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1965. Jerry Lyon, Martha’s brother-in-law, introduced Dave and Martha and Dave knew immediately she was the one; on June 2, 1973 she married the love of her life, David Lawrence Fox in Wenatchee, Washington. Martha had a passion for music starting at a young age playing the flute and piano. Marching in the Wenatchee High School Golden Apple Band for the Apple Blossom parade and football games was a highlight for her. She carried on her love for music throughout her life as she played the flute during worship services at the churches she has served in, as well as, with her friends and family. It wouldn't take long for her to suddenly start playing the piano and enthusiastically belt out verses to I Will Sing unto the Lord. On any given day she would sing, If you're Happy and You know It while her family was eating dinner or watching television or even over the fence with the neighbor. Her love for the Lord filled her heart and had no choice but to come out in song. Martha’s other loves include, baking, painting, ceramics, game shows, video games, volunteering at the church and loving on her children and grandchildren. Living in the Bates St. house for over forty years, Martha and Dave were the neighborhood mother and father and grandmother and grandfather to many children. Martha was always a kid at heart; the sunrise and sunsets, full moons, thunder and lightening, forest fires, and sirens always excited her and peaked her interest. She would always call the kids over to share in her excitement. Many times she has told the story of taking comfort in hugging her dolly on that train ride to Washington, as the years went on she gave and received comfort in hugging her children and grandchildren. Martha loved without condition and was a servant at heart. She was a wonderful wife to Dave and loved taking care of the everyday things, being at home, raising her children and supporting her husband. She was truly a homemaker. Martha was always eager to cook or bake cookies for her husband, kids, or anyone visiting without hesitation. Her kind and gentle ways were outdone by her fierce faith in Jesus Christ. Without hesitation, Martha was the first to offer a word of encouragement or pray over her friends and family with full conviction and trust that her prayers are answered and her loved ones are safe and healed. Regardless of the situations Martha faced, her first words were that of praising Jesus and trusting Him with all her being, as well as, encouraging her family and friends to do the same. Martha served various ways at Kingdom Embassy and served as volunteer bookkeeper for River of Life Foursquare church for many years. She and Dave played music at nursing homes with the Old Time Fiddlers every week, as well as, at the Christopher House for nearly a decade. Martha Lea Fox, is survived by her husband of 50 years, David L. Fox, Her children, Lena M. Fox of Wenatchee, WA, Andrew D. Fox (Laura) of East Wenatchee, WA, Matthew D. Fox (Danielle) of Cashmere, WA and Joseph L. Fox of Wenatchee, WA. Sister, Dorthea Paulson of Olympia, WA, brother Robert Hougham (Peggy) of Okanogan, WA. and seven grandchildren; Halle Fox, Emily Fox, Lindsey Fox, Kairi Fox, Liam Fox, Khloe Fox and Klaire Fox and many nieces and nephews. Martha Lea Fox was preceded in death by her father Ivan Hougham and mother Ethel Hougham of Wenatchee, WA, brother Marlin Hougham (Bonnie) of Hermiston, OR, sisters Carol Lyons (Loren) of Selah, WA and Phyllis Lyon (Jerry) of Wenatchee, WA A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 pm, Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Kingdom Embassy 181 1st St. SE East Wenatchee, WA 98802 with a reception following at the church.