Martha Thiessen was born in Grunthal, Manitoba, the sixth of nine children. Her family moved to a farm near Coaldale when she was three. At 22 she married Henry Dick, and they had five children. They moved to Linden in 1966. Henry worked on a hog farm and at stores in town, but soon became the ambulance coordinator. That job meant that Martha was the one who answered the emergency phone. The calm efficiency that first attracted Henry to her was very useful in that role!

Their second son, Eldon, passed away in 1984 after a long battle with cancer. Henry and Martha's faith withstood that test, along with the test of Martha's breast cancer. Henry and Martha shared a deep commitment to God and each other until Henry's death in 2014.

Martha had an eye for beauty and artistry that was demonstrated through photography, making banners for the church, quilting, playing music, and encouraging her children in music lessons. She created many slide shows focused on the beauty of God's creation. (In those days, a slide show actually used a slide projector that someone would advance manually as music was played on a cassette player.)

Martha was full of energy and life, and enjoyed practical jokes. She always had a twinkle in her eye and was quick with a witty response.

We say good-bye to Martha with the joyous certainty that she is now in the presence of her Lord. We remember her as a beacon of faith, a woman of spirit, and a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. Martha, you have fought the good fight, you have run the race, you have kept the faith. Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to you on that day—and not only to you, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Memorial Donations may be made to Westview Care Community or Compassion Canada .