Martha Emma Wolf, a devout Christian, dedicated educator, and beloved community servant, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at her residence in Taft, Tennessee, at the age of 84.
Born on September 27, 1941, in Fairfield, Iowa, Martha was the cherished daughter of the late Ernest VanLantschoot and Alice Elizabeth Arndt VanLantschoot. On July 31, 1965, she married the love of her life, Donald Gary Wolf, who preceded her in death in 1995. Together, they owned and operated the Quiet Oaks Motel.
Martha devoted her professional life to education and found immense joy in being with children, first teaching second grade, and later stepping into the role of assistant principal at Highland Rim School. Even in retirement, her commitment to the community’s youth never wavered. She was an active member of the Fayetteville Lions Club, where she spearheaded the Kids Sight Screening Program, ensuring local children received vital vision care. Martha was a devout Catholic and a long-time, faithful member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. Martha loved traveling the world and possessed a great talent for crocheting, often creating gifts for others.
She is survived by her loving family, including her daughter, Susan Maria (Jeff) Helums of Taft, and her son, John Douglas (Candy) Wolf of Memphis, TN. Martha also leaves behind her four grandchildren, Meghan (Caleb) Smith, Morgan (Cade) Kiddoo, Van Wolf, and Emma Alice Wolf, her great-grandchildren, Harper Smith, Hank Smith, and Maggie Kiddoo, as well as her beloved twin and younger sister, Marie VanLantschoot.
Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Higgins Funeral Home, followed by a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, with Reverend Father George Panthananickal officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to: St. Anthony Catholic Church (1900 Huntsville Hwy., Fayetteville, TN 37334), the Fabulous Fifties Foundation (PO Box 934, Fayetteville, TN 37334), or the Fayetteville Lions Club (PO Box 217, Fayetteville, TN 37334).
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Martha Emma Wolf.
I knew Mrs.Martha a short time but she and her family welcomed me with open arms. I am forever thankful I had the chance to meet her, hear stories, and care for her the time I did have. I am praying for her and the family during this hard time.🤍
We regret not being able to attend Martha’s services due to our illness. Martha and Gary were our wonderful neighbors for years. She was an excellent teacher and especially helpful to our sons. She worked all summer vacation to prepare for the next year. Her patience was extraordinary and her love for students unbounded.
Martha was one of our sons, Justin and Josh’s favorite teachers. I helped in the parents workroom and volinteered on field trips. I have stayed in touch by exchanging Christmas cards. Martha was a dedicated teacher and the children loved her.
She was a member of my Lions club I will always miss her and I also know she is in a good place now, I will always love her.
From the moment I became an official member of the Lions Club, Martha always had a smile and a hug for me. She and I shared the same birth day just 2 years apart. She was the kind of person that made you feel special and that you had known her forever. I will miss her!
One of my all time favorite teachers. May Martha rest in peace.
Martha was an amazing women. Great friend to my late mom, Rosemary Gill. Martha also stood up as proxy for my son’s godmother at his baptism. Alot of good times together with her& Marie. Will be missed
SORRY TO HEAR OF MRS . MARTHA . SHE WAS A GREAT JOY IN MY LIFE WHEN I ATTENDED HIGHLAND RIM. PRAYING FOR THE FAMILY
Mrs. Martha was a co-worker and friend of mine at HRS for seven years. I was her aide. She was my mentor. She gave me so much advice and help on my journey to become a teacher. I will never forget her calling me “Wonder Woman”. I thought she was the true Wonder Woman. She had the best sense of humor that not everyone got a chance to see. Loves her so much. Much love to you all.
Martha was a joy to work with while I was LCDOE—Dedicated and passionate about both the administrative work and the children. May God bless her family.