Martha Z. Rains
Martha Z. Rains
( September 4, 1928 - April 6, 2026 )
Martha Z. Rains, 97, of Hamilton and Kingston, MO., passed away on April 6, 2026, at the Daviess County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Gallatin, MO. Martha lived in Caldwell County all of her life.
Martha was born on September 4, 1928, in Kingston, to Albert and Linnie (Stone) Houghton. She graduated from the Kingston High School in 1946. She played basketball and was a cheerleader in school, as well as an accomplished runner who was successful in the county track meets. On December 27, 1946, she married Russell Rains in Kansas. The newlyweds lived in Long Beach, California, for a short time while Russell served his country during WWII. Two daughters were born to their union--Cherryl and Darla.
Martha worked well into her 80's. Her first job was in the office of the Shoe Factory in Hamilton. She then worked for the Caldwell County Prosecuting Attorney, Mr. Knudsen, and later transferred to working as a receptionist for Dr. Carter in Hamilton. After this, she worked at the Kingston Bank before becoming the license fee bureau agent for 31 years at the Kingston License Office. Following retirement from the license office, she worked at State Farm Insurance in Hamilton. While married to Russell, who was a deputy sheriff for Caldwell County, and before there was such a thing as 911, she and Ruby Robinson answered emergency phone calls for Caldwell County, trading weekends and taking calls and dispatching for the ambulance, sheriff, and highway patrol.
Martha would say that "Work was her hobby". She was cheerful, determined, never afraid and faced and tackled everything that was put in front of her. She loved to cook and she enjoyed watching all sports on television, especially bowling and baseball, while cleaning her home. She was a fixy, classy lady who took pride in her hair, makeup, clothing and jewelry/shoes being just right. Martha enjoyed attending her grandchildren's sporting events and activities. She was a member of the Kingston Federated Church and had served on the board.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Russell; her daughter, Cherryl; her granddaughter, Shae Robinson; and 6 siblings-Kathryn Groves, A. Marion Houghton, Elizabeth Munsey, Louise Zook, Virginia Parsell, and Maurice Houghton.
Survivors who will miss her dearly include her daughter-Darla (Rod) Whitt, Hamilton; 2 grandsons-Colt (Lauren) Whitt, Knoxville, Maryland; and Cale Whitt (Samantha Caesar), Lee's Summit, MO; 3 great-grandchildren-Skye Robinson (Dylan), Cameron, MO; Dalton Mills, Canada; and Maci Gasper (Adam), Chillicothe, MO.
Funeral Service: 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Kingston Federated Church.
Visitation: noon to 1:30 p.m., Monday, April 13, at the Kingston Federated Church, just prior to the service.
Interment: The Kingston Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made in Martha's memory to the Daviess County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Gallatin, MO., where she received excellent care.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Bram Funeral Home, Hamilton, MO.
