Martha Ann Venable

Martha Ann Venable, originally of Waco, passed away June 25, 2011, following a long battle with Alzheimer's disease. A long-time resident of Waco, her family moved her to the D/FW Metroplex in 2003 where she peacefully passed away at Keller Oaks Healthcare Center. Funeral services will be 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 28, at Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Colleyville, Texas.

Martha was born Dec. 2, 1926, in Waco, to Arthur and Grace Johnston. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Dallas where she grew up. Martha was involved in music and church and spent summers with her cousin, Anne Marie Chennault. After attending Baylor University, she began working at Neiman Marcus in Dallas. A friend and co-worker, Ann Venable, introduced Martha to her brother who was returning home from WWII. William "Bill" and Martha were married Dec. 4, 1946, and eventually returned to Waco in 1960 where they established their home and owned and operated several auto supply stores.

Both were active at the First Christian Church of Waco, where Martha sang in the choir. Martha was involved in various clubs, charities, and social organizations. She was an avid bridge player, member of The Sweet Adelines Barbershop Quartet, the Junior Shakespeare Society, and volunteered for numerous local charities such as Meals On Wheels.

Martha was a devoted wife and mother, good friend to everyone she met, and a caregiver to all, most especially to her mother and mother-in-law.

Martha is survived by Bill Venable of Ennis; children, Sharon and husband, Ron McFarland, of North Richland Hills, Mark Venable and wife, Susan Fischer, of Sherman, and Sandra and husband, Dee McIntosh; sister-in-law, Ann Drake of Plano; close cousin, Ann Marie Chennault of New York; grandchildren, Kelly and Sean McFarland, Christie Hailey, Joe Morgan, Andi Risk, and Cole Venable; and great-grandchildren, Lauren, Reagan, and Ty McFarland, Cheyenne Hailey, and Brooke and Blake Eckols.

Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home, 817-498-5894

December 2, 1926 - June 25, 2011

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