Martha Ann Cathey, 79, of Columbia, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2018.

A celebration of Martha’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 3, 2018, at Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel.  A gathering of family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until time for the service.

Martha was born to August D. and Myrtle Elizabeth Sappington Dothage on November 4, 1938, in Boone County and they preceded her in death.  She was a 1957 graduate of Hickman High School and then attended Christian College.  On October 24, 1971, she married Vernon D. Cathey in Columbia and he preceded her in death. She retired from the University of Missouri Medical Center in 2000, but as she wanted to stay busy, she then worked part-time for the Boone County Commissioners office for over 15 years.  Martha enjoyed spending time with her family, and pets and also was interested in history and genealogy, crafting, writing, socializing and a John Wayne movie.  She had many friends throughout her life, and kept in contact with many high school friends and enjoyed attending her high school reunions.

Martha believed everything was better with chocolate.  She was a great story teller, who loved to laugh and have fun, always looking forward for the next “Martha” adventure.  She will be missed.  

Martha is survived by her daughter, Julie Duerst Bennett and husband, Kevin of Columbia; Granddaughter, Whitney T. Bennett, Granddaughter, Morgan Ehetssabian and husband, Jason and 2.5 Great Grandchildren and Grandson, Mason Witzel, as well as many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Brian D. Duerst and a sister, Jeannette Kelley.

Memorials are suggested to the American Lung Association, c/o Bach-Yager Funeral Chapel, 1610 N. Garth Ave., Columbia, MO 65202. 

 Service Information