Martha Lucille Rieth

Birth: August 24, 1932 | Died: October 16, 2025

Martha Lucille Rieth was born on August 24, 1932, in Oklahoma to Lillian and Estelle Norman. The youngest of four children, she was dearly loved by her brothers Lee and David and her sister Dixie.

As a young girl, Martha moved with her mother to Los Angeles, California, beginning a new chapter that would shape her life. She attended Saint Agnes High School, where she met Helen Baltes — who would later become her sister-in-law — and formed lifelong friendships she cherished deeply. On September 4, 1950, Martha married Verl F. Baltes, and the couple made their home in Norwalk, California. They later settled in Anaheim on December 31, 1959. Together they raised seven children.

Martha built an impressive career at Southern California Grading, where she worked faithfully for more than thirty years. Her dedication, integrity, and warm spirit left a lasting mark on everyone she worked with.

On June 9, 1972, Martha married Richard J. Rieth. They enjoyed fourteen years together before his passing. Martha loved life and traveled throughout the Caribbean with family and friends. Her greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — the true matriarch of her family.

She was preceded in death by her beloved sons, David and Michael. She is survived by her devoted son Mark; loving daughters Debbie, Jane, Helen, and Alice; eleven grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

Martha’s kindness, grace, and laughter will be forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.