Martha Browning

Martha Ann Smith Browning, 73, passed away April 22, 2016. She was born September 23, 1942, in Rigby, Idaho, to David Lamont Smith and Martha May Lusk. She spent her early years in Sugar City, Idaho, before her family moved to Pocatello, Idaho, when she was a young girl. She graduated from Pocatello High School in 1960, and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Idaho State University. She sang for Idaho State University’s choir during her time there where her father assisted as the pianist. She loved music, she shared it with others as a piano teacher and choir director in various capacities throughout her life. She married Ronald Lee Browning in 1968 and they were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple. They moved to Rigby, Idaho, where they lived for 40 years. During this time she raised four children and taught school for the Jefferson School District. She taught grades kindergarten through 8th over her career and retired in 2003. She loved her profession, her students, and was active in the Idaho Education Association advocating for education and teachers. She was actively involved in city and state politics. Martha loved history and she loved traveling to historic small towns in the states and other countries. She was always up for learning, exploring, and adventure. She was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many areas of the church throughout her life. She loved her family and took great measures in teaching and raising her children and grandchildren to always enjoy life. She is survived by her husband Ronald Browning, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, daughters Anna (Scott) Bidwell of Rigby, Idaho, Nannette (Paul) Chandler of Rigby, Idaho, Linda (Scott) Petersen of Aurora, Colorado and son Mark (Teresa) Browning of Idaho Falls, Idaho as well as two sisters and two brothers. She had 12 grandchildren she loved to spoil. She was preceded in death by her parents. Her smile, joy of life, unconditional love and generous spirit will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 29, 2016 at the Carriage Gate LDS Church (5255 South 5th West, Idaho Falls) the family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 28, 2016 at Eckersell Memorial Chapel (101 West Main Street, Rigby) and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery. Services are under the care of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.