Martha Lee (Kilburn) Straker Assel, 79, Cowgill, MO., passed away on July 10, 2023, at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She lived in Caldwell County, MO., all of her life.

Martha was born on September 15, 1943, in Lock Springs, MO., to Harold L. and Anna Grace (Hicks) Kilburn.  She graduated from the Penney High School in Hamilton, MO., in 1961. Martha was a homemaker and worked as a deputy county clerk for Caldwell County, MO.

She was a member of the Kingston Church of the Nazarene, and enjoyed knitting, crochet, and cooking.  She was a very giving and loving person who put her family first, always making sure to make their favorite cookies and food when they were coming to visit.  Having her hair styled and in place was also very important to Martha.

On September 28, 1962, she married Winton Straker at the Hamilton Federated Church.  Winton preceded her in death, and she was also preceded by her parents.

On April 30, 2006, Martha married James Assel in rural Braymer, MO.  He survives of the home.

Additional survivors include her children-Valerie (Tim) Davis, Braymer; Randall Straker (Sammy), Braymer; Lanna (Jeff) Wing, Buffalo, WY.; Doug (Juanita) Assel, Dawn, MO.; Sally (Mark) Jackson, Platte City, MO.; Randy Assel, Hamilton; and Kevin (Sandra) Assel, Kingston, MO.; 22 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-Ruth Ann (Howard) Thompson and Velma Ward, both of Hamilton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Celebration of Life Service:  10 a.m., Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the Kingston Church of the Nazarene.

Visitation:  6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 12, at the Kingston Church of the Nazarene.

Interment:  Highland Cemetery, Hamilton.

Memorials may be made to the Kingston Church of the Nazarene.