Martha Lee Poer Wood

With deep love and immense gratitude, we announce the passing of Martha Lee Poer Wood, who left this world on May 9, 2025, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was a devoted mother, a tenacious businesswoman, and a woman who lived life on her own terms — with heart, humor, and a determination that never wavered.

Born on October 18, 1942, in Lubbock, Texas, to Floyd and Vira Lee Poer, Martha was the embodiment of Texas grit. Raised on her family’s farm, she learned early what it meant to work hard, show up, and create a meaningful life. Whether rounding up cattle, picking up nails for half a penny each, or simply marveling at a Texas sunrise, Martha’s connection to the land and its simple joys stayed with her always.

As a teen, some of her fondest memories centered around supporting her high school football team with her best friends, Sandra, Linda, and Jana. That same spirited loyalty and resourcefulness carried her throughout her life. If something mattered to Martha, she found a way to make it happen. Whether it was selling watermelons on the roadside or building a thriving business from the ground up, she taught her children and many others: you can accomplish anything you want, but you have to show up and do the work to make it happen.

Martha married Bruce Jerald Wood, and together they shared a life that included their two greatest joys, Tiffany and Fritz. While their marriage eventually ended, the legacy of family, resilience, and hard work remained a defining pillar of Martha’s life.
Her journey took her from Texas to Utah, where she turned a single Hallmark store into a successful career, eventually owning and operating four locations. Her Fashion Place Mall store was consistently recognized as one of the top-earning Hallmark stores in the country. But more than the accolades, Martha’s true success was measured in the lives she touched — mentoring employees, fostering community, and quietly giving back. She was known for working on Mother’s Day so her staff could be with their families and for donating toys and treasures to the Boys and Girls Club of Salt Lake City, ensuring joy reached those who needed it most.

Martha’s passions extended far beyond business. She fell in love with Utah’s mountains and embraced skiing later in life with the same grit she applied to everything else. Gardening was her therapy, and digging in the earth or tending to her flowers brought her immeasurable joy. In her retirement years, she discovered bowling, relishing both the game and the company it brought. A good glass — or bottle — of wine shared with friends was another of life’s simple pleasures she never took for granted.

Perhaps nothing showcased Martha’s gift for bringing people together more than her legendary Christmas parties. Complete with a real Santa and her infamous holiday punch, these gatherings were filled with laughter, joy, and memories that would last for years. It was always her wish to have “one last Christmas party,” and so, in her honor, we will gather to celebrate Martha’s life on May 30, 2025 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, Utah 84106.

Martha is survived by her children, Tiffany Wood and Fritz Wood, who proudly carry forward her legacy of perseverance, generosity, and a fierce love of life.

Martha’s story is one of resilience, heart, and an unapologetic commitment to living fully. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Salt Lake City (www.gslclubs.org) and the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation (www.alzheimersprevention.org).