Rachel (Graves) Martin, born Feb. 20, 1934, to Alex T. and Pauline Graves, was ushered into the pearly gates on January 7, 2026, in Nixa, Missouri.
Rachel attended Coffeyville schools and married James “Bud” Martin on May 21, 1950. They made their life in Coffeyville until December 2024, when she moved to Nixa to be near her daughter.
In her earlier years, she was employed at S.H. Kress, Newberry’s, and H.W. Read’s. In 1977, she earned a diploma from the Custom Decorating Institute of Orange, California, and established her own business, Custom Drapes by Rachel. She continued her work for 30 years until her retirement in 2007.
Rachel loved cooking and sewing; she entered many items in the Coffeyville State Fair and rarely failed to take home top honors and ribbons. Her beautifully decorated home reflected her appreciation for antiques, but more than that, it reflected her warm personality and love for family and friends.
She was a wonderful and caring mother to her three children, who were her pride and joy. Rachel was an active member of First Assembly of God in Coffeyville, where she held various offices and began teaching Sunday school at the young age of 13. She always enjoyed music and often sang in various groups, as well as with her husband, Bud, and daughter, Sheila. Her love for the Lord showed through in all she did, and her greatest desire was to see all her family in Heaven.
She is survived by her daughter, Sheila, and husband Don Lander of Nixa; and daughters-in-law, Debbie Martin of Ellenwood, KS, and Lori Martin of Pittsburg, KS. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Angi Womeldorff, Amber Parker, and Ashley Woods (and their mother, Mary Eden); Nathan Lander and Matthew Lander; and Aaron Martin, Micah Martin, and Hannah Martin. She is also survived by step-grandchildren Jenni Ploger and Amber Clark; 11 great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Bud; her sons, Donald (Don) and James (Jim); her brother, Jack Graves, and sister-in-law, Bobbie Graves; and her parents.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 19, at First Assembly of God. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m., also at First Assembly, under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Coffeyville First Assembly of God or to Child Hope, a ministry of Assemblies of God World Missions. Contributions to Child Hope may be mailed to: 1445 N. Boonville Ave., Springfield, Missouri 65802.
