Martha Gay Bergman

Martha “Gay” Bergman, age 80, passed away peacefully in Clifton, Texas, on November 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Llano, Texas, in 1945, Gay moved to Marble Falls as a young child, where she grew up and graduated from Marble Falls High School in 1964. During her school years, she was a cheerleader, class officer, Student Council member, football sweetheart, and homecoming queen. She also played doubles tennis with her brother Butch, creating memories that lasted a lifetime.

On December 26, 1963, Gay married her high school sweetheart, Richard Bergman, at First Baptist Church in Marble Falls. Together, they shared nearly 62 years of marriage, raising two children, Richard Ray and Cheryl Ann, and building a life rooted in faith, family, and service.

Gay dedicated her professional life to serving others. She worked at Home State Bank in Marble Falls, Texas Granite Corporation, and held roles as Executive Assistant for the Marble Falls and Clifton Chambers of Commerce. Her longest tenure was at First Baptist Church of Marble Falls, where she worked alongside dear friends Pastor Max Copeland and Music Minister Tommy Ryan. She also served as a financial secretary for several churches, a bookkeeper for nonprofits, and an independent tax preparer for many families. Gay also served as a substitute teacher in both Marble Falls ISD and Clifton ISD, positively influencing countless students.

Her commitment to community was evident in her service as a trustee on the Marble Falls School Board for nine years, as well as her involvement with the Clifton Civic Improvement Society and many other organizations. In 1986, Gay was honored as Soroptimist Woman of the Year, a recognition of her outstanding service and leadership. She volunteered tirelessly—whether working with the GAs and youth at church, organizing at Kendall Respite Center, serving at the Clifton Food Bank and Meals on Wheels, or supporting the Christian Women’s Job Corps. She spent countless hours visiting nursing home residents, offering comfort and companionship.

Gay’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved reading, playing Scrabble, cheering for college sports (especially Baylor, UT, and A&M), and savoring tacos and pies at family gatherings.

If you ever wondered what Christlike love looked like, you only had to look at Gay’s life. Gentle, generous, and deeply devoted, she didn’t just believe the gospel—she lived it. Her life was a testimony of selfless love and service, and her light will continue to shine through every life she touched.

She is survived by her husband Richard Bergman of Clifton; children Richard Ray (Sharon) Bergman of Clifton and Cheryl Ann (Bobby) Baize of Mart; sisters Betty Platt of Rosanky and Patsy (Ed) Irvin of Granite Shoals; and brother Dale “Butch” (Amy) Forehand of Rockwall. She is also survived by brothers-in-law Chris (Debra) Bergman of Marble Falls and Phillip (Doretha) Bergman of Brady; sister-in-law Dorothy (Mike) Curtis of Austin; grandchildren Preston Baize, Trevor (Emily) Baize, Cooper (Kendal) Baize, Shandy (Taylor) Burrow, RL (Kaitlyn) Pilcher, and Shelby Bergman; 13 great-grandchildren; aunt Lillian Massey of Marble Falls; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dale and Ruth Forehand; sister Christine and brother-in-law Jim Hughbanks; brother-in-law Billy Fred Platt; father and mother-in-law Herman Richard and Dorothy Bergman; and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Dale and Angie Bergman.

Honorary Pallbearers: Preston Baize, Trevor Baize, Cooper Baize, RL Pilcher, Taylor Burrow.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lance Robinson of Goodall Witcher, Jackie Kettler of Sunset Lutheran, and Michelle Lloyd of Sunset Hospice for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clifton Food Bank, Clifton Civic Improvement Society, or Sunset Lutheran Ministries.

A celebration of Gay’s life will be held Tuesday, December 2, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 106 S Ave G, Clifton, TX.