Martha Anne Evans Cornell was born March 27, 1941. She left us December 4, 2022.

Martha Anne was the only child born to Herb and Ovia Evans of Marshfield, Mo. She attended and graduated from Marshfield Schools. Although it was an era of hardship, Martha Anne would describe her childhood as idyllic. She was proud to tell people "Thank you, my mother made it for me" when complimented on a beautiful dress her mother had made. And, there was never a girl who loved her Daddy more. She, and her "Be-Bops", made memories and maintained life long friendships.

In 1959, Martha Anne began SMS and those who knew her after that point, knew her as Martie. While at SMS, she met and married Ken Cornell on June 1 ^st , 1963. She was most proud of being Mom to her three children. She was the true stay-at-home mother: Brownie leader, PTA President, Home Room Mom, late night helper with homework and the crafty Mom that all the neighbor kids could count on.

In 1987, Ken's job took them to Minnesota. With family spread out from England to Saudi Arabia, Alaska and Missouri, Martie was the glue that held us all together. Some great friendships were made in MN but the arrival of grand-daughter Kylee spurred a move back to Missouri. So, Martie became "Marnie" to the grandchild she loved so much.

Martie thrived in retirement and was active in Master Gardeners and the Red Cross. Many years of Kindergartners benefitted from love of Mrs. C. This was also the time she received her last name: "Big Bertha", creating much fodder for the "You Know Your From Springfield" Facebook page.

Martie is survived by her husband Ken Cornell of Springfield, son Chris Cornell (Amy) of Nixa, daughters Cindy Daugherty of Springfield and Susan Cornell of Branson, granddaughter Kylee Elmore (Joshua) and great grand-son Calvin Elmore of Springfield, special cousin Paula Huckaby and life-long friend Bette Bailey.

A visitation will be held Thursday, December 8 ^th from 6-8pm at Klinger-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte in the chapel with private internment at a later date.

Whether we called you Martha Anne, Martie, Mom, Marnie or even Big Bertha, we were better for having known you.

' Though she be but little she is fierce '