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.
