Martha Crabtree 95, of Island, Kentucky passed away Saturday, October 21, 2023 at the Riverside Care and Rehabilitation Center in Calhoun, leaving behind a legacy of love, care, and devotion. Martha Lee Bowles was born November 11, 1927 in Hopkins County, Kentucky to Nemon and Nellie Mae Sugg Bowles. Martha grew up in a tight-knit community where she learned the values of kindness, family, and hard work. On March 30, 1946, she was married to the love of her life, Homer Glenn Crabtree and was lovingly known as ‘Mannie’ to her family and close friends.
Martha dedicated her professional life to the care and healing of others. She was a retired nurse, having served the majority of her career at the Mahr Cancer Center in Madisonville. Her dedication to her work and her patients was unmatched, and she left an indelible mark on the many lives she touched.
Martha was not only defined by her profession but also her interests and hobbies. She was an active member of the Island Baptist Church and the Red Hat Society, where she formed many cherished friendships. Martha was a woman of many talents, including sewing, crafting and cooking. Her family and friends especially enjoyed her culinary skills during family gatherings at the lake, a place she adored. She cherished these moments of togetherness, laughter, and love.
Martha was fondly known as ‘Mannie’ to her family, a name that embodied her nurturing and loving nature. She loved being outdoors and cherished every moment spent with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren. Martha’s life was defined by the love she gave and received. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she left behind.
In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Homer G. Crabtree, who died November 21, 1993; by her son, Gary O. Crabtree; by a granddaughter, Donya Revlett; by three brothers, Bill, Wesley, and J.D. Bowles; and by a sister, Sue Rowland.
Survivors include a daughter, Shelia Fulkerson of Calhoun; a daughter-in-law, Callie Crabtree of Island; four grandchildren, Lori Harlan (Dwayne), Sean Blades (Amy), Christy Woosley (Paul), and Cori Free (Brian); ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a brother, N.C. Bowles (Joyce) of Madisonville; and a sister, Judy Adkins (Bob) of Madisonville.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at Muster Funeral Homes, Livermore Chapel with the Rev. Chad Rafferty officiating. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Madisonville. Friends may visit with Martha’s family from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Tuesday and from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at Musters in Livermore.
Martha’s services will be streamed live on musterfuneralhomes.com at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday.
Martha’s family would like to express their appreciation for the personal care and attention shown to their mother and grandmother by the entire staff of Riverside Care and Rehabilitation Center.
Share your memories and photos of Martha at musterfuneralhomes.com.