Martha Grant Rideout, 85, passed away of natural causes on August 19, at 9:33 am. She was born in Lexington, VA. After World War II, her family moved to Hampton, VA where she spent her childhood and formative years. She attended Miss Porter’s Elementary School, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, and graduated from Hampton High School. She pursued studies in drama and elementary education at Mary Baldwin College and performed a season of summer stock at The Oak Grove Theater in the Staunton area.

While attending college, Martha met her future husband, a student at Washington & Lee University. Following their marriage, the couple settled in Winston-Salem, NC, where she taught elementary school before retiring to raise their daughters. Martha remained committed to elementary education through volunteering in the Winston-Salem school system, where she employed innovative dramatic role-playing techniques to enrich learning opportunities and foster creativity in young students.

In addition to her dedication to education, Martha’s interests included gardening and flower arranging. She was a member of The Trowel Club in the Washington, DC area, the Hampton Roads Garden Club in Newport News, and the Brandon Woods Garden Club in Williamsburg. Over the years, she enjoyed participating in flower shows and shared her love of flowers and gardening with others.

Above all else, Martha cherished her family and friends, and she deeply loved and was loved by the members of this community. Martha will be remembered for her courageous strength, her creativity, and her elegant style.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Schuyler Grant, and by her sister, Molly G. Neely of Asheville, NC. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Thomas Pierce Rideout; her daughters Schuyler Rideout Mutz and Catherine Ward Rideout, both of the Atlanta area; and her sister, Patricia G. Gooding of Atlanta, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Child Development Resources of Williamsburg, VA (www.cdr.org) or to a charitable organization of their choice.

The family will share details of a gathering to celebrate Martha’s life when plans have been finalized.