Mrs. Martha Maijala Koontz of Jefferson, died on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at the Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. She was 93.

Mrs. Koontz was born on Dec. 21, 1920 in Middle River, Minn., to Solomon and Rina Hattanpaa Maijala.

Mrs. Koontz was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers; as well as one infant brother; three sisters; and her husband, Clifford Koontz.

Mrs. Koontz loved working with flowers, making craft items, traveling and making homemade bread. She enjoyed playing the piano and guitar. Mrs. Koontz was a member of Jefferson United Methodist Church, the church's UMW Group, Jefferson Homemaker Club and Ashe Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Mrs. Koontz is survived by a daughter, Jorena K. Barnes of Millers Creek; sister, Olga Massie of Tacoma, Wa.; grandson, Steven Barnes of Mooresville; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014, at the Jefferson United Methodist Church by Rev. Karen Miller and Rev. Dr. Keith Franklin. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014. at Jefferson United Methodist Church.

Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be made to Jefferson United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 236, Jefferson, NC 28640.

Words of comfort and remembrance may be viewed or sent to the family through our website at www.ashelawn.com.

Ashelawn Memorial Chapel & Gardens was entrusted with Mrs. Koontz's arrangements.