Martha Mildred Grounds Moore, age 94, of Richmond, died Sunday, March 14, 2021 at home surrounded by family. She was born on the family farm in Morgan County, Indiana on January 19, 1927. She was one of 12 children born to Ralph and Flossie (Murphy) Grounds. She grew up on the farm and graduated from Paragon High School in 1946. She joined the United States Nurse Cadet Corp after graduation and received her nurse’s training at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. Graduating in February 1948. She met the love of her life, John H. Moore, as a nursing student. They married June 19, 1948 in Martinsville, IN.
They started their life together in Indianapolis and soon moved to Anderson, IN. Then, following Johnny’s job, they moved to Richmond in 1956. Martha worked at Reid hospital for 33 years, retiring in 1990 as Operating Recovery Room nurse. She and John loved many activities including Square Dancing, playing cards with friends, and family camping trips.
Following Jon’s death in 1975, Martha found enjoyment in volunteering & contributing to several local clubs. She was an active member of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), serving as Elder, Deacon, teacher, and head of the annual Salad Buffet for many years. She participated in an Emmaus Walk and sponsored many others on that journey. She was active with the Wayne County Widows Person Group, the Senior Center, a Bowling league at Do Re Mi Lanes, the local Miniatures Club, & enjoyed volunteering at the Wayne County Welcome Center. Along with her sisters, Nellie and Sharon, she enjoyed collecting Precious Moments figurines, even traveling several times to the Precious Moments Chapel. She loved to travel and visited Hawaii, Alaska, parts of Europe & smaller trips all over the States. Above all, she loved spending time with her family and friends. Martha was a caretaker. She was always available to sit with someone in the hospital or drive someone to an appointment. She was a kind, caring person who loved everyone and will be deeply missed.
Martha is survived by her daughter Joanna Horrigan; son Roger (Jenna) Moore; sister Sharon (Ron) Partyka of Frederick, MD; sister-in-law Lou Grounds; grandchildren Apryl (James) Napier of McCordsville, IN; Daniel Jonathon Horrigan; Alyssa Horrigan (fiancé Chris Johnson) of Noblesville, IN; Dr. Eric (Marcia) Spivey of Gainesville, FL; Jackie (Luke) Weis of Hamel, IL; Mindy (Ole) Jaimes of Pflugerville, TX; great-grandchildren Sarah Margaret (Dan) Shelton of Birmingham, AL; Sydney Spivey of Gainesville, FL; Kolin and Brenna Napier; Grace and Jack Weiss; Matthew and Emma Jaimes. Martha is preceded in death by her husband John H. Moore; siblings Claire Finchum, Helen Ruth Grounds, Glen Grounds (Shorty), Geneva Grounds, Betty McCown, Ralph Grounds Jr. (Doc), Ethel Williams, Frances Cooper, Marian Stierwalt and Nellie Howard.
A service to commemorate Martha’s life will be held at 12pm Saturday, March 20, 2021 at the First Christian Church in Richmond, Indiana with a visitation from 10am-12pm. Arrangements are under the care of Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, you may make memorial contributions to First Christian Church 100 S 10th St. Richmond, Indiana.