Martha Cairns

Martha Wilson Cairns, 97, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, June 5, 2014, at Southeast Hospital.

She was born July 15, 1916, in Sparta, Illinois, to John T. and Amy Morrow Wilson. She and Austin R. Cairns were married Sept. 8, 1936, in Sparta. He preceded her in death May 12, 1998.

Martha and her husband retired to New Port Richey, Florida, in 1978 and lived there 19 years. They moved to Cape Girardeau in May 1997.

She was a lifelong Presbyterian and a member of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau. She helped organize the residents Organization at Saxony Village and served as its first president. Martha also served as president and vice president of the Lutheran Home Auxiliary.

Survivors include a son, Richard P. (Lynne) Cairns of Cape Girardeau; a daughter, Jean A. Cairns of Cape Girardeau; a granddaughter, Amy (David) Gaunce of Jackson; a grandson, Paul (Aimee) Cairns of Cape Girardeau; and three great-grandchildren, Sam, Max and Allie Cairns.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau.

A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the church, with the Rev. Dr. Kim Nelson officiating.

Entombment will be in Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be given to First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau or to a charity of one's choice.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.