Obituary: Markarian, Martha E.
Age 90
MARKARIAN, Martha E.
(Age 90)
God took our mother, Martha Markarian, to heaven on Mother’s Day, May 13th, 2012.
Martha was born the eldest of seven children to Andrew and Angela Sprute, Pioneers of Camas Prairie near Cottonwood, ID on April 24th 1922.
She learned her strength during the Depression, and faith in God through her loving family.
She had two sisters, Winifred May, deceased, and Elaine Schumacher, Greencreek, ID, and four brothers, Richard Sprute (Barbara) Spokane, WA, Ralph Sprute (Marie) Cottonwood, ID, Paul Sprute, deceased, and Robert Sprute, Inverness, FL.
Martha moved to Spokane where she graduated from Kelsey Baird Business College, and went to work for Anthony, Baker & Burns.
She married Alexander Muzatko on January 10, 1948 and inherited his five children, Don Muzatko, deceased, John Muzatko (Lilian), Marianne Wren (Jerry), Ed Muzatko (Darlene), and Alice Mackleit (Dennis).
She learned quickly the joys of motherhood and became a Cub Scout mother, a Campfire Girls leader, and a Catholic Youth Organization leader.
Martha and Al had four children James Muzatko (Melanie), Linda Peterson (James), Sue Peschel (Frank), and Debbie Cozzetto (Dan).
She became an excellent seamstress, making each of her daughter’s wedding dresses.
When Al passed away, she somehow managed to provide private education for all of her children and instilled them with the importance of education.
On August 4th, 1962 Martha married Pete Markarian.
Together they had a son, Charles Markarian (Barbara).
Martha’s family continued to grow into 49 grandchildren, 78 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
While her family was growing she started one of the finest catering services in Spokane.
She loved her rose garden, and at age 80 published a family cookbook that had recipes dated back over 100 years.
Martha was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Woman’s Club.
She was a member of the Catholic Daughters, served on the Morning Star Boys Ranch Auxiliary, the Immaculate Heart Retreat House Auxiliary, and volunteered for the Woman of the Hearth.
She had a dedication to the Blessed Sacrament and attended weekly adoration.
Martha received the Catholic Community Service Award in 2004.
Visitation will be Thursday, May 17, 2012 from 12-5pm at the funeral home.
A Vigil Service will be held on Thursday, May 17 at 7:00 PM at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 4420 N. Jefferson, Spokane.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 18, 2012 at 10am, also at St. Francis of Assisi, with committal to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
Donations can be offered in her name to the Poor Clares Monastery, or St. Francis of Assisi Parish.
Please visit Martha’s tribute and leave a condolence at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to: