Obituary for Mary L. Martz

"During Mary Martz’s memorial service, her brother told a story about the time her husband had a diabetic reaction on the way to a family dinner. H needed to eat something right away, but a bowl of rice putting she had promised to bring to the meal for one of their nephews. She had ended up feeding the pudding to her husband with her hand, but, when they finally did arrive at the gathering, the first thing she did was apologize to the nephew for not having the promised rice pudding. Her brother used this story as an example of how considerate she was: tat after that harrowing experience on the road (and those who have heard the whole story know how harrowing it was), her first thought was for her nephew’s disappointment.

Those of us who have tasted that rice pudding know that it is very good. But what most people don’t know is just what a demonstration of self-sacrifice and generosity it is. It requires actual work to follow that recipe. And she would generally make a triple batch, so there was plenty of it to share. Once, while she was visiting at a neighbor’s house, we were talking about her secret recipe (because none of us had seen a recipe for cooked rice pudding). She said it was no mystery: she had included it with the recipes she had contributed to the last church cookbook. We ran and looked, and there it was! And, if you’re curious, here it is:

Rice Pudding -- Mary Martz
2/3 cups converted rice
2 1/4 cups water
2/3 cups sugar
2 tsp cornstarch
tsp salt
2 2/3 cup half and half
2 Tbsp butter or margarine
1 tsp vanilla
4 egg yolks

Bring rice and water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Simmer, covered, until water is absorbed, about 25 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt; stir into the hot rice mixture, along with the half and half. Stir constantly. Bring to a boil, and boil 1 minute. Off heat, stir in the butter and vanilla.
In a small bowl, slightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually stir in about cup of the rice mixture. Stir back into the remaining rice mixture, Stir often, cook over medium heet just until mixture starts to bubble. Let stand at room temperature, and serve warm. (For a crowd, I usually triple the mixture, .which gives you a dozen egg whites to make a homemade angel food cake.)

And she did make a most excellent angel food cake, using the recipe in the Betty Crocker cook book.

Mary Martz was not only eager to do what’s right, but to do it the right way, ans the effort involved in following this recipe implies. Her memory is a blessing and an inspiration to all who knew her."

"Denny & Family please accept our sincere condolences . May you find comfort in your memories you hold in you heart."

"We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

"Kindness is the word I think of when I think about Mary. My condolences to all of the Martz Family"

"Although we didn't get together that often, when we did, it was always good times, and good memories. Mary was a wonderful person, and a wonderful cousin. There was always laughter when we got together. Our thoughts, and prayers are with you, and your family. Love, Craig & Mary Fitpold"

"Mary, such a beautiful lady. I enjoyed you so much. Ladies of the living hope church, there is a hole that can only be filled with memories and smiles."