Martha grew up on a farm in the Cornhill community and walked through the field to attend the Catholic School through the eighth grade. She had many fond memories of Cornhill and kept close ties with the community through her connection to the church, family, and friends.

She had a strong, faith-filled life and anyone who knew her would attest. She was a devout Catholic throughout her life. In addition to attending Sunday Mass, she would pray every day — absolutely no exceptions, which included prayers from her prayerbook, countless prayer cards, her own special prayers and prayer list, along with the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Martha had a special relationship with Jesus and His mother, Mary. There is no doubt that God was foremost in her life.

Martha was a long-time member of St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church and attended Holy Trinity, in Cornhill, and SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger during her early life.

On Jan. 7, 1947, Martha married the love of her life, Emil Sherek, at SS Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church in Granger. Martha and her late husband raised six children. She loved the simple life of living on a farm, raising chickens, gardening, cooking, baking bread and kolaches, sewing and quilting, but her greatest joy was her family.

Sundays were always for the Lord, eating dinner with her family, playing dominos with her brother and his wife, while listening to Czech polka music, and of course, listening to her husband play his oldfashioned button accordion. She was most proud of her Czech heritage and was fluent in the language.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Emil Sherek; her parents, John J. and Rosie Knapek; and her siblings, Louise Sherek and husband Rudy, Emil Knapek and Sybil Fiala; and son-in-law, Joe J. Vrana.

She is survived by her six children, Betty Vrana, Tommy Sherek, Diana Anderson and husband Brian, Bill Sherek and wife Monica, Jackie Vrana and husband Joe, and Becky Sherek. She is also survived by her 14 grandchildren, Tammy Lutz and husband David, Tim Vrana, Branden Seidel and wife Standela, Amber Schultz and husband Brad, Krista Seidel, Paul Sherek and wife Rachel, Amanda Sherek, Patrick Sherek and wife Dani, Joshua Sherek and wife Vanessa, Amy Sherek, Annie Sherek, Matthew Vrana and wife Mallory, Ashlee Kokel and husband Kyle, Lauren Fritz and husband Jason; 14 great-grandchildren, Remington, Trinity and Aleksee Lutz, Casen and Aubre Schultz, Hannah and Joseph Sherek, Ezekiel and Emma Sherek, Nora, Cope and Rowen Sherek, Hayes and Andie Vrana; sisters-inlaw, Hyacinth Knapek and Loretta Sherek; along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. They all cherish many memories of her in their hearts.

Serving as pall bearers will be family, Tim Vrana, Branden Seidel, Paul Sherek, Patrick Sherek, Joshua Sherek, Matthew Vrana, David Lutz and Remington Lutz.

The visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, at Providence Funeral Home, with the recitation of the Holy Rosary that started at 6 p.m.

The Mass of Christian burial was held Thursday, Feb. 29, at 2 pm at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, in Taylor, with burial that followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Our family would like to thank the care givers of Accent Care Home Health, Yvette Griffith of Accent Care Hospice, Dorothy Ware of Cater-2-U Home Health, Dr. Mark Stone and his staff of Baylor Scott and White for the loving care they all extended to Martha.

Her love and spirit will remain forever in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Mary’s School Trust Fund, 408 Washburn St., Taylor, TX 76574