Martha Rogers Holman, 95, passed away peacefully January 5, 2021, at the long time Rogers family home on Church Street in bucolic Fayette, Missouri. She was born Martha Leola Rogers in Jefferson City, Missouri on June 6, 1925, and spent most of her life in Fayette.

Martha was the daughter of the late Daniel Carle “DC” and Emma (Dixon) Rogers. DC Rogers was an attorney, cattle rancher, and former mayor of Fayette. DC and Emma Rogers raised five children in Fayette;  Dixon, Sarah, Martha, Dan, and Clyde. All five children went on to earn advanced college degrees. Dixon and Dan were West Point graduates.  The Rogers household was a collection of formidable intellects and Martha was no exception. She was especially proficient in music, math, and foreign languages.

Martha graduated from Central Methodist College in Fayette in 1947. During her college years, she was homecoming queen, an honor student, and drum majorette of the marching band.

After a 1947 post-graduation tour of Europe, she married Robert J. “Bob” Bricker in Glendale, California later that year. “Bob” was attending Occidental College where he played football.

Throughout their marriage, Martha and Bob lived in Glendale, California;  St. Joseph, Missouri; Port Isabel, Texas; Dallas, Texas; and Lake of the Forest, Kansas. They had four children, John, Kathryn, Patricia, and Karl.

Martha and Bob divorced in 1970 and Martha began a new chapter in her life. She moved to Lawrence, Kansas, home of the University of Kansas, where she became house mother for the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. During her time in Lawrence, Martha earned a Master’s degree in mathematics at the University of Kansas.  

Martha became reacquainted with Lt. Colonel William “Bill” Holman in 1985. Bill and she had been friends many years ago when they were both students at “Central” in Fayette. They were married on November 1, 1986. Bill and Martha made Fayette their home and traveled the world together. Martha became a stepmother to Bill’s four children, David Holman, John Michael Holman, Steve Holman, and Carol Chafee.

Martha and Bill were very active in the Fayette community. “Central” always held a special place in their hearts. As a couple, they took part in the American Legion, FAHA, Main Street, Fayette-Armstrong Community Betterment, and served as docents for CMU’s Ashby-Hodge Gallery of American Art.

“Central” basketball games were a favorite pastime for Martha and Bill.  They were locally famous for passing out lollipops to players at the conclusions of games. Bill died on December 9, 2012.

Survivors include her four children, Karl (Debbie) Bricker of Lenexa, Kansas., John Bricker of Southport, Connecticut, Patricia Bricker of Kansas City, Missouri, and Kathryn (Frank) D’Angelo of Zephyr Cove, Nevada; four step-children, David Holman, John Michael (Cynthia) Holman, Steve Holman, and Carol Chafee, all of Fayette; numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, along with nieces and nephews.

The family wants to give special thanks to Martha’s niece, Becky York, for the love and support she provided Martha.

A celebration of Martha’s life is planned in Fayette on June 6, 2021, her 96th birthday. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the William S. and Martha Rogers Holman Scholarship at Central Methodist University. Memorials may be sent to 411 Central Methodist Square, Fayette, MO 65248. Final Arrangements are under the direction of Friemonth-Freese Funeral Service of Fayette.