Martha Elaine (Smith) Burkinshaw passed away peacefully April 30, 2019 at the age of 92. She was born the 5th of nine children to Virgil and Iva Smith in Valentine, Nebraska. They moved to Winner, South Dakota, where she lived until adulthood. She married Ben A. Brinkman at a young age resulting in two sons living in Anadarko, OK, Montrose, CO and Springfield, IL. She resumed residency in Winner with her two young sons after divorce. She met Keith Burkinshaw, moved to Mesa, AZ in 1960 and they were married that year.
She worked at United Bank for many years until retirement. Her banking profession inspired her to attend Mesa Community College for her AA in 1981.
She and Keith built their dream home in Gold Canyon and made many wonderful memories with family and friends. Martha was an active charter member of Gold Canyon United Methodist Church. The ministry often visited her after a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s. She was moved to Gold Canyon Hacienda, where she had excellent care and many wonderful times.
Martha loved God, family and many friends. She enjoyed singing and did so just days before she passed. She was truly happy and often thanked others for her marvelous care. She made an impression on many, especially her grandchildren, which adore her. Her sons claim “the best Mother” with many childhood friends that still thing of her as their “second mother”.
Martha is survived by her son, James A. (Linda) Brinkman, grandchildren, Gina (Tim) Van Luven, John (Kylin) Heischmann, Erin Brinkman, Erika (Isaac) Petersen, great-grandchildren and one brother, Bill Smith.
Mountain View Mortuary handled arrangements. A memorial service will be held at Gold Canyon Methodist Church, June 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM.
In Lieu of flowers, her family asks that contributions be made to Hospice at Home of Arizona, 1423 S. Higley Rd., Suite 121, Mesa, AZ 85206.