Martha Mae Davidson

1933 - 2025

Martha Mae Davidson, Zionsville, left her earthly life on Oct. 20, 2025.

Martha was born in Monticello on Feb.16, 1933, to Caleb Adam Cauble and Inez Mae Knight Cauble.

She was the oldest of four siblings, Martha (also known as Marty to many!), Marvin, Marilyn, and Marjorie. They enjoyed walking to town or school and exploring on their bicycles. After graduation from Monticello High School, Martha traveled to Hawaii. This would be the first of many adventures for Martha throughout her life.

Martha then moved to Indianapolis to begin work. There she was introduced to Gilbert Davidson. Friends arranged for Gil, who was selling kitchen knives, to visit Martha. They were married on Nov. 26, 1956, in Monticello. After they married, Martha and Gil moved to Indianapolis, Chicago, back to Indianapolis, to Atlanta, and finally back to Indianapolis. Martha helped Gilbert establish his career, with the purchase Avels, Inc., a power device distributor, and later developing the company into Davidson, Inc. Along the way they added companies, including Hydroserve, and Flotec, which ultimately became a leading medical device developer and manufacturer. Martha was proud to chip in and help - answering phones, filing, or any office work.

Martha and Gilbert welcomed three children, Brian Russell, Bradley Ross, and Ellen Beth during the early years in Indianapolis and Chicago. The family traveled often, often packing into Gilbert's Mooney, Bonanza, or Duke airplane, needing more room as the family grew! Martha and Gilbert also traveled the world with Young President's Organization (YPO), and Martha loved these trips. They visited Egyptian pyramids; dined in the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace of Versailles, and in the Diamondhead volcanic crater in Oahu; rode camels in Egypt; made friends with Fairy Penguins in Australia; and enjoyed the beaches in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. They also loved road trips throughout the U.S., especially art shopping trips to Taos, N.M.

Martha was an accomplished seamstress and made beautiful dresses. She enjoyed quilting, cross-stitching, embroidery, and crewelwork, and was very proud of her workmanship. Martha also was active in ALTA tennis while in Atlanta. Her team was known for both tennis skills and their post-match social gatherings. After Gilbert passed away in 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease, Martha continued to make new friends and reconnect with old friends. She was active with church life groups, book clubs, field trips, and chair yoga at Hoosier Village. As expected, the yoga group spent much time at the coffee shop after class, thoroughly enjoying their post-workout visits. Martha was an avid puzzle and crossword puzzle player. She never missed Indy 500 races, or Colts or Kansas City Chiefs games.

Martha is survived by her sister, Marilyn (John) Crowel, Monticello; three children, Brian Russell (Betsy Curry) Davidson, Carmel; Bradley Davidson, Indianapolis; Ellen Davidson Domnick (Darrel), Stillwater, Okla.; grandsons, Benjamin (Monica) Davidson, Carmel; Cameron Domnick, Stillwater, Okla.; great-grandchildren, Persephone and Elizabeth; and many precious nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 51 years, Gilbert; brother, Marvin; and sister, Marjorie (Jim) Quackenbush.

A service to celebrate Martha's life will be held in the Chapel at Hoosier Village on Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. Following the service, please join us for a reception at the Chapel's Great Hall to celebrate her remarkable life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations or gifts may be made to the Schwarz Cancer Center at IU Hospital or Alzheimer's Association.

The family wants to thank the IU hospice team and the Hoosier Village health center staff for their loving care and concern for Martha during her illness.