Martha Kay Lawless passed away at her home in Palisade, Nebraska May 11, 2019. Martha was born in Salem, Richardson County, Nebraska June 16, 1938 to Karl William and Fern Olive (Bacon) Stevenson. She was one of five children. Martha graduated from the Palisade High School and then from Beauty School in McCook. On March 21, 1957 she married William James Lawless and they lived in Palisade until his death in 2016. To this union five children were born: Brenda, Kenny, Gregg, Marj and Mike.
     Martha was full of many talents, sewing cloths, baking cakes, breads and cookies, always pitching in and helping with activities for the community and kids. She painted ceramics which included ornaments for the Christmas tree. Each family member got to pick one for their own tree for many years. She loved sports and played softball when younger. Bill and Martha were avid followers and attended many local ballgames where they got to know a lot of the kids very well. Being a farm wife she helped where ever Bill needed. She was very well known for her wonderful Fried Chicken and homemade Brownies and always made sure there was enough food on the table for everyone. Stories from many that worked for dad at times helping on the farm always included the feast at dinner time. The seat on the porch will always carry her spirit and love for being outside along with the flower gardens surrounding her house.
     Martha was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Wanda and husband Jim Needham; brother-in-law Gilbert Kessler and brother Bill Stevenson.
     Survivors include daughters, Brenda (Wayne) Daniel and Marj (Guy) Rundback of Palisade; sons, Kenny of Wauneta, Gregg (Connie) of Osborne, Kansas, and Wm “Mike” (Nette) Lawless of North Platte; sisters, Lois (Lester) of Denver, Colorado and Phyllis Kessler of Seattle, Washington; sisters-in-law Bert Stevenson of Medicine Bow, Wyomying, Betty Potthoff of Palisade and Doris Phillips of Phoenix, Arizona.
    Memorials may be given in her name to the Palisade United Methodist Church or Palisade Ambulance Squad.
    Friends may send words of comfort to the family at www.herrmannfh.com.
    Memorial service will be Saturday, May 18, 2019, 2:30 p.m. at the Palisade United Methodist Church with Brenda McGuire officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Palisade Cemetery.
    Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook entrusted with arrangements.