Martha was born on November 19, 1921, in McIntosh, near Hoffman, Oklahoma to William Baley Bennefield of Alabama and Mollie Smith of Oklahoma. She was the fourth youngest of 12 children: Johnny, Sue, Colonel, Kay, Addie, Louella, Bill, Sallie, MARTHA, Porter, Leona, and Ervin. Martha was one-eighth Creek Indian and proud of her heritage.

On October 25, 1939, Martha married Lewis Onan Tate when she was 18 years old and Lewis was 21 years old. On January 1, 1943, they were blessed with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Myrna. When Lewis enlisted in the Navy during World War II, he was deployed to the Pacific theatre in the Philippine Islands. While Lewis was overseas, Martha worked to maintain their home in Oklahoma and take care of Myrna. Later, after Lewis returned from the service, they moved to Pryor, Oklahoma, and later to League City, Texas, where on September 12, 1948, they were again blessed with the birth of their son, Lewis Jay Tate, known as "Jay" to family and friends. After the war, Martha and Lewis continued to raise their family, work, and create a home atmosphere based on positive values and mutual respect. Martha also sold Avon cosmetics for over 38 years, and Lewis worked as a mechanic, then he worked as a heavy equipment operator, and later had a road grading business and a lawn mower and small engine repair shop. Martha was a great cook, Lewis lover her cooking very much, and she took great joy in fixing his favorite meals. She always made Lewis breakfast and packed him a lunch before he went off to work, and then when he returned home, she had dinner ready for him and the family.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday November 19, 2016 at the Ramona Cemetery, with Pastor Brian Myers of the Ochelata Baptist Church officiating.

Interment will be in the Ramona Cemetery under the direction of the Stumpff Funeral Home & Crematory. Following the Graveside services there will be a reception at the Ochelata Baptist Church. Friends who wish may sign the online guest book and leave condolences at www.stumpff.org.