Martha Lane Aters, age 81, of East Prairie, Missouri, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on October 22, 1943, in East Prairie, Martha was the beloved daughter of Frankie Grissom.

Martha was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Aters on September 8, 1973, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and cherished memories. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, aunt, and Mimi.

Martha dedicated 40 years of service to the East Prairie School District, beginning her career in 1981 as a bus driver. She took immense pride in her role, particularly in driving the Dorena bus route. Over the years, she also drove for school trips and the Votech route. Although retiring in 2021, she shared recently with her nurses her plans to return to work "part-time" once she left the hospital.

Martha was loving and protective, known for her unwavering support of her family. She found joy in spending time at her cabin in Van Buren and along the Current River. She was the life of the party, hosting many family dance gatherings where her famous chili was always a highlight. In her final days, she even spoke of hosting another dance party soon.

The most significant decision of Martha's life came on January 1, 2025, when she accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, led in the sinner's prayer by her sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson. A special thank you to Shirley.

Martha is survived by her husband, Bob Aters; her sons, Wesley Grissom and Shawn (Rhonda) Aters; her grandchildren, Brandon Grissom, Lynda Decaro, Sam Atkinson, Robert (Lacey) Atkinson, Joey Atkinson, Leslie Atkinson, Addi Aters, Libby Cogdill, Katie (Josh) Cobb, Daniel (Autumn) Cobb II, and Kaylinn Cobb; and great-grandchildren, Kai and Kinley Grissom, Ruger and Kimber Atkinson, Jazmine and Christopher Jr. Taylor, Isabella, Charlotte, Berkley, and Owen Lorenson, and Daniel Cobb III.

She is also survived by her siblings, Roland (Laurie Ann) Grissom, Michael (Sandra) Grissom, Linda (Jeffrey) Dillow, Ruth Christian, Rhonda (Mike Wagenblast) Ling, and Penny (Harold) Pearson.

Martha was preceded in death by her mother, Frankie Grissom; her son, Marty Atkinson; her brother, Charlie Grissom; her sister, Debra Self; and two grandsons, Wesley Gene Grissom II and Gage Mackenzie Aters.

Visitation will be Friday, March 14, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, where services will be held Saturday, March 15, at 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will be officiated by Bro. Jon Archie, with burial to follow at East Prairie Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Terry Aters, Floyd Aters Jr., Mitchel Aters, Nathan Aters, Paul Aters, and Ricky Aters. Honorary pallbearers will be Wesley Grissom, Michael Grissom, Terry Dale Aters, Dale Matney, and Daniel Cobb II.

Martha will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her love, strength, and devotion to her family and friends.