Martha Starr Masch

Bright spots are ever so important in our everyday lives. There are not many that shone brighter
in many of our lives than those of Martha Starr Masch. She was the sunshine that touched many
little universes (lives) throughout her lifetime across the Back Country of San Diego County.
Martha lost her battle with cancer, and passed away peacefully on July 10 surrounded by her
loving family and lifelong friends. Martha was dearly loved by many and will be profoundly
missed by all that knew her. Her contributions to her community were immense and often
immeasurable.
Martha was born at Mercy Hospital in San Diego on May 23, 1947 to Hans and Mary Starr.
Mary Starr was the daughter of George Sawday, a true Cattle Baron who leased or owned much
of the land that is now San Diego County. Martha grew up immersed in a life on the ranch. She
was an active member of 4-H and Girl Scouts. After graduating from Julian Union High School
in 1965, Martha pursued a degree in Home Economics at California Polytechnic University, San
Luis Obispo. During her studies there, she dated and later married (1969), Carl Masch. The
couple finally settled down at their home in Ramona where their daughter, Mary, grew up and
where Carl had a business hauling hay. They were married for 51 years before Carl’s passing.
Martha obtained her teaching credential from San Diego State University and her Masters from
Pepperdine before she began her career in education in 1971 as a substitute teacher at Julian
High School. Her attraction to Home Economics led to a long career teaching this subject and
when the curriculum changed, she began teaching English. A move to the front office then
followed where she filled various administrative roles before her retirement after 43 years in
Education at Julian High School. She loved teaching and her students loved her.
Home time was filled with baking and cooking, sewing, supporting family and friends, and
catering to her two beloved grandsons, Cameron and Easton. She was an avid Padres and Texas
A&M fan. Martha was proud of her family and could often be found supporting them at events.
In the community, she was always there for anyone that needed her advice or help and did what
she could for her enormous number of friends in the Back Country.
Martha was predeceased by her parents, Hans and Mary Starr, her sister Joanne, her three
brothers Fred, William and George, and her husband, Carl. She is survived by her sister Kathryn
Starr, her daughter Mary and husband Curtis Martineau, her two grandchildren, as well as many
other relatives, both kinship and blood. With her passing, we are challenged to remember how
Martha lived, what she gave to others, and carry on, doing her work, with the same spirit and
love she had for others.
Plans for a celebration of Martha's life are being formulated for the upcoming month. In lieu of
flowers, contributions in memory of Martha can be made to Ramona High Ag Boosters, Attn:
Mary Martineau, P.O. Box 2057, Ramona, CA 92065.

Bonham Bros & Stewart Mortuary and Cremation Service is assisting the family.

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