Martha Lou Rains

Martha Lou Rains (85) of Boise, Idaho, passed peacefully on December 26, 2023 at Overland Court Senior Living surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on June 24, 1938 in Hobart, Oklahoma – the youngest of four daughters born to John H. and Elah B. Holcomb.  As a child, she was raised on a farm in Oklahoma.  Her family moved to their farm in Kimberly, Idaho, when she was seven years old, and Martha and her sisters worked in the fields and milked the cows since they had no brothers. Martha learned to play the piano and violin early in life.  Her family was very active in the United Brethren Church in Twin Falls.  Martha was involved in the Twin Falls Youth For Christ during her high school years.  She met the love of her life, Billie, at church and they were married on April 20, 1957. 

After their marriage, Bill and Martha moved to Seattle, where Bill was employed by IBM. Later that year, Bill was transferred to Idaho Falls, ID, and then to Mountain Home, ID.  IBM means "I’ve Been Moved"! Their three daughters, Kym, Connie and Christine were born in Mountain Home.  Bill and Martha were active members of the Log Cabin United Brethren Church in Boise all of their adult lives.  Martha was church organist and pianist, treasurer and arranged the flowers weekly for over 60 years.  Bill was the United Brethren Church Conference Youth Director for 13 years, and during that time Martha planned the annual youth summer camps.  Martha lovingly raised their 3 daughters and babysat their grandkids daily for years.  After Bill retired in 1992, they enjoyed 30 years of retirement together – traveling in their motorhome, camping and fishing.  

Martha was a faithful, loving wife for 66 years, and a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, and she loved her rose garden and music. Martha had a wonderful earthly journey with her loving husband and great family – and of course, with God by her side.

Martha is survived by her husband, Bill, sister, Ruth, daughters Kym (Terry), Connie (Paul), and Christine (Harvey), 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and several cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sisters Mary and Anita.

Everyone is welcome to attend Martha’s Memorial Service on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, at 2:00 P.M., at the Log Cabin United Brethren Church, 700 E. Bannock, Boise, Idaho.