Martha Louise Gussman

Martha Louise (Ohrn) Gussman, 87 was born on July 14, 1936, in Virginia, IL., to Joseph and Grace Ohrn. She grew up on a farm near Virginia, IL. Martha always had a love for music. She took 8 years of piano lessons and 2 years of organ lessons. She enjoyed 4H where she showed animals and did sewing projects. After graduation from high school in Virginia, IL, she attended Graceland College in Lamoni, Iowa. She later met David Gussman when playing for a church service at Graceland. They married on August 23, 1959, and moved to West Branch, Michigan. They moved back to Iowa in 1967. Martha became a music teacher and returned to Graceland College to complete her bachelor’s degree in vocal music. Martha directed many music programs and elementary musicals. She even had some students sing on a TV show in Des Moines, Iowa 

When her two sons James and John were born, she became a stay-at-home mom until they went to school. Then she returned to teaching and took some classes toward a master’s degree. Over the years, she taught 4^th grade, Kindergarten, special education, vocal music, and band. Martha also worked with preschoolers in her later years, and she gave piano lessons.

Martha was a lifelong member of the Community of Christ. She served as organist/pianist in her congregation. She also served as a church music director and as a Sunday school teacher. Martha often accompanied her husband and others when they sang for church. A favorite family activity at family gatherings with extended family was singing around the piano with Martha playing. 

Martha enjoyed going to the coffee shop for coffee and a donut. She also liked taking early evening rides in the country.

Martha became wheelchair bound and moved to New Haven (now Anew) in late June of 2018. There she enjoyed playing the piano, playing games with other residents, and playing Bingo. 

Martha is survived by two sisters-Pat Gunn and Carol Gibson, and a brother Dan Ohrn as well as numerous nieces and nephews; children Sharon (Tracy) Dyer, James Gussman, John (Kelly) Gussman, eight grandchildren: Caleb Meyer, Ashley Mayabb, Hannah Adams, Spencer Gussman, Abigail Miller, Quentin Miller, Gabriel Miller and Alexander Miller; and eight great grandchildren: Ethan, Cameron, Chloe, Emmett, Harper, Penelope, Ryker, and Ari. Martha was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Ohrn and Grace (Gouty) Ohrn, her husband David Gussman, and her sister Mary Ruth Cox. 

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri, 64076. A Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 4, 2024. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence, Missouri. Memorials are suggested to the Community of Christ Church. Memories of Martha and condolences for her family may be left at www.LedfordFamilyFH.com or on our Facebook Page.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Ralph O. Jones Funeral Home, 306 South Second Street, Odessa, Missouri 64076.