Patterson Cemetery District, Stanislaus County, CA 

Submitted by Gale Stroud and Burta Herger 26 Aug 2007

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Bishop Martha 651223 p1
Final Rites Today For Mrs. Martha Bishop; Funeral services will be conducted today, Wednesday, at 2 p.m. in Evans
Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Martha Bishop, 92, who died late Sunday night in a local hospital. The service will be conducted
by the Order of Eastern Star and interment will be in the Patterson District Cemetery. Mrs. Bishop was a long time
resident of Patterson.  She was a native of Michigan and arrived In Modesto on April 1, 1911. One year later she and her
husband moved to the new community of Patterson.  In 1920 they built the house in which Mrs. Bishop has continued to
live until her recent illness. Mrs. Bishop is survived by one son, Arthur Bishop of Los Angeles. Mrs. Bishop is
remembered by the long time residents of this community for her nursing work in the time before the town had a regular
doctor and hospital  She is also remembered by many as "Mrs. Santa Claus." Many years ago Mrs. Bishop became
concerned that no one was doing anything for Patterson children at Christmas time.  She solicited funds, bought toys and
a Santa Clans suit, and organized a party, playing Santa Clans herself.  She continued this program for many years.
Mrs. Bishop also worked for the restoration of the local cemetery and for the local library.  She has remained active in the
Patterson. Garden Club.  Each year, including 1965, she has attended the annual banquet of the Patterson-Westley
Chamber of Commerce. She was greeted at a special celebration two years ago on the occasion of her 90th birthday.