Martha Kathryn Davison

Martha Kathryn Walker Davison was born July 19, 1933, at the family home near Sentinel, Missouri. She was the only daughter of Russell and Anna (Roberts) Walker. She joined her two older brothers, Durword and Velbert. Martha was a direct descendent of the Polk County pioneer Payne family. Her childhood was spent helping on her family’s turkey and diary farm. She learned cooking from her mother and fishing from her Grandma Walker. She excelled at both! Martha attended a one room school at Sentinel and Inglis. She graduated from Bolivar High School, class of 1952. On August 11, 1952, she married her high school sweetheart, Vernon Davison. She remained at her family’s dairy farm while Vernon served in the US Army. Upon his discharge, the couple moved to Kansas City where daughter, Diane, was born. They moved to Polk and their 2nd daughter, Teresa, was born. Martha was a country girl at heart and in 1958, she and Vernon bought a farm near Polk and moved back home. She worked as a line supervisor at Teters Floral Products for many years. Later she spent 20 years as a clerk at Horton’s Department Store. She lovingly cared for her father, Russell and later her mother, Anna, as long as she was able. Martha and Vernon were great sports fans. They seldom missed great-granddaughter, Kaylie’s ball games and Braden’s activities. She was a long-time member of Fairview Church and spent many hours cooking for the community dinners the church sponsored. Martha often made 6 to 8 pies to help pay off the sanctuary mortgage! People would call her asking her to please make their favorite, usually gooseberry! She spent the las 3 ½ years of her life at CMHCF where she was lovingly cared for. Martha is survived by her daughters Diane (Mark) Besser and Teresa (Scott) Chasteen. Her grandchildren, Wendy (Nathan) Rothdiener, Heather, Brad, and Stephanie (Jeremy) Walker; her great-grandchildren, Kaylie (Bryce) Krueger, Braden, Ava, Ace, and Bo, and a much anticipated soon to be great-great-granddaughter; brother Velbert Walker and sister-in-law, Ada Lee Walker She will be laid to rest beside Vernon among family members and friends in the Payne Cemetery near Polk, Missouri.

Martha Kathryn Davison

July 19, 1933 - August 9, 2026