Martha J. Derby, 78, of Sioux City, passed away Thursday, December 20, 2018 at a local hospital. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, December 28, 2018 at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. A visitation will be held from 4-8 with family present from 6-8 pm, on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at the funeral home.

Martha was born on May 19, 1940 in Sioux City to William and Mary (Harris) Hayden. She married Allen Derby on January 31, 1957, he passed away on July 20, 1994.

Martha worked at a variety businesses in Sioux City; some of which were Wincharger Corporation, Swifts Packing Company, Donnelley Marketing, and lasting as a lunch lady for the Sioux City Community School District, retiring in 2010.

Martha and Allen's life revolved around music, especially country music. Allen was in multiple bands in the Siouxland area, he "wooed" her into falling in love with him for his great musical talent. Martha loved going shopping, but most importantly, she enjoyed spending her time with friends and family.

Survivors include her son, Ron (Deb) Derby; daughter, Soni (Charlie) Stowe, both of Sioux City; brother, Theodore "Ted" (Pat Kampfe) Hayden of Onawa, IA; sisters, Dena (Allen) Derby of Sioux City and Sherri (Terry) Simpson of Austin, TX; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ronnie Houston) Derby, Ronnie (Krista) Derby, Aaron (Janelle) Derby, Brandi Stowe, Angie (Dustin) Stowe, and Kami Stowe; and numerous great grandchildren.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Jerry Hayden, Arthur "Junior" Hayden, Fred Hayden, and sister, Rosemary Smith.