Martha King

Martha Louise King, age 98, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026.

Martha was born on January 6, 1928, and grew up in Livermore, CA. She attended Stanford University, where she majored in geography. She cherished fond memories of her childhood, especially time spent with her family at her parents’ cabin near Meeks Bay on Lake Tahoe, a place she loved throughout her life.

She later made her home in Lindsay, CA with her husband, Maxwell King, who served as CEO of the Lindsay Ripe Olive Company. Together they raised their three children: Louise Fair of Seattle (husband Bob Fair), Jim King of Spokane, and Laurel King of Incline Village, Lake Tahoe, NV.

In 1973, Maxwell’s work brought the family to Bellingham, where Martha (known as Marty) became deeply involved in her community. She worked at St. Luke's Hospital, where she became the Whatcom County Hypertension Control Program Coordinator. She was also an active volunteer with the Bellingham Assistance League, the Senior Center, and a devoted member of P.E.O. Sisterhood, Bellingham Chapter F.

Martha enjoyed both international and domestic travel and embraced life with curiosity, warmth, and grace. She especially loved to dance and brought joy and energy wherever she went. In the later years of her life, she was fortunate to share close companionship and friendship with two wonderful companions who brought her much happiness. In recent years, she was lovingly cared for by Circle of Life Caregiver Cooperative, whose kindness and compassionate support meant so much to her family.

Above all, Martha was a devoted and loving mother whose warmth and kindness were felt by all who knew her. She had a delightful sense of humor, a gracious spirit, and a gift for making others feel welcome and cared for. Her family and friends will remember her with love, gratitude, and affection, and her memory will remain a lasting blessing to all whose lives she touched.