Martha Lucille (Chaffee) Tompkins, 87, of Pittsburg, passed away at 7:32 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Via Christi Village.
She was born Jan. 30, 1939, in Springer, New Mexico. She was the youngest of eight children. Her parents were M. O. and Margaret S. (Browne) Chaffee.
The family moved from Spinger in March of 1943. The family home was established on a farm outside of Burdette, Kansas. Martha was active in musical events, church-related groups, and 4-H
She graduated from high school in 1957 and attended Fort Hayes State University. May 1961, she graduated with a double degree in music education and music performance.
June 1961 she was united in marriage to Donald D. Tompkins at Mary C. Norris Methodist church in Burdette. She and Don made their home in Wichita Kansas where Martha taught elementary vocal music in South Wichita schools; Scheriter and Kellogg, then, later at Gardner elementary for several years. Later she did work on a master’s degree at Wichita University.
Three children were welcomed into their home; Steven in 1965 Janet in 1968, and Deborah in 1971.
The couple also made their home in Junction City, Salina, and Dodge City before becoming permanently established in Pittsburg.
In addition to teaching the public schools in Wichita, Martha also taught privately; and substitute taught extensively piano and flute.
Martha was always active in the Church. She helped with world service sewing in the 1980s, later the Presbyterian Women and Deborah Circle. She served as an Elder 1996-1999, a Deacon on two different terms. She served on several committees, Music and Worship, Peacemaking, and helped with others.
In later years she worked in the life insurance office, Don had established, both doing service work and direct sales.
Upon retirement the couple traveled, worked in the church and community. The grandchildren have been a source of enjoyment for them. The grandchildren are; Drake Joseph Sifuentes, Margaret Grace North, Caroline Raeann North, and Ireland Anne North.
She is survived by; her children, Steven Donald Tompkins of Pittsburg, Janet Martha Sifuentes (Bill), of Pittsburg, and Deborah Margaret North of Topeka, KS, and the four grandchildren, Drake, Margaret, Caroline, and Ireland.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don, four brothers, Russell O. Chaffee, James Wallace Chaffee and John Chafee, four sisters, Sarah Helen Chaffee, and Elizabeth Anne Fritz, Catherine Chaffee and Peggy Heather
A Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, at Brenner Mortuary with Rev. Mark Chambers officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Private family burial will take place at a later date in the Farmington Cemetery in Macksville, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given to the Presbyterian Church, Fort Hays State University Scholarship Fund, or PSU Music Department Scholarship Fund. Friends may leave condolences online at www.brennermortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, Pittsburg, KS.
