Martha Gardley

Martha Ann (Dobbins) Gardley

Left us and received her wings on January 13, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Martha was born on October 18, 1939 in La Junta, Colorado to Emmett Dobbins and Betty Roberson.  At age five, she and her sisters Emma Jean Dobbins and Betty Mae Dobbins moved to Denver where they were raised by their father, Emmett and stepmother Dorothy Eubanks-Dobbins.

Martha attended Denver Public Schools and graduated from Manual High School in 1956.  She started working after graduation and eventually began a culinary career working at a few of Denver’s top restaurants.  In 1968, she started working at United Bank (Wells Fargo) where she retired in 2004.

Martha was a long-time member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church serving in different capacities including as a Deaconess.  She enjoyed travelling across the globe and the country.  She moved to Philadelphia where she spent the last 8 years of her life.

Martha devoted her life to family and friends and helping others.  She had a big heart and a loving spirit.  Martha was a loving mother, aunt, sister, grandmother who lived a full, blessed life.

She is survived by her daughters Kim Ryans (Kevin Williams), Philadelphia, PA; Tanya McDowell- Dobbins, Denver, CO; her son Kevin Dobbins (Kimbra Young) Charlotte, NC.  Sister Judy Jordan, Denver, CO, three grandchildren, LaTasha Cooper, Denver, CO; Queshawn Stanley, Las Vegas, NV; Kamal Dobbins, Charlotte, NC, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great, great grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews devoted friends Oleathia Beard and Carol (Mitzi) Gause and many more.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her son, Wardell T. Ryans, Denver, CO, siblings Emma Jean Dobbins, Betty Mae Dobbins and her brother Lewis Edward Dobbins.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, services will be held at a later date for family only.