Martha Ann Hargrave

She was born May 18, 1960 in the very same hospital she took her last breath. She was the fourth child and first treasured daughter of her parents Ellen Bruce Hendry Wheeler and Gilbert Freeman Hargrave. She grew up in the sandy dirt of Athens, Texas where she later graduated from high school and began college at Henderson County Junior College.

She quickly fell in love with her brother Gil’s best friend James “Jimmy” Martens and the two soon wed and moved about, from Houston then to Fort Worth and later Austin where they raised daughter Jessica Gail and son Gordon James. Trials of life caused them to separate but they always lived near one another for the benefit of their children.

Then a single mom, Ann went back to college to get her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin. She worked part time as a bookkeeper, always prioritizing the role she most loved as mother to her children.

As her children grew and matured, Ann found time for many special hobbies. She took up karate with Gordon and after almost 15 years of practice earned the title of Black Belt, where she later served as a teacher to younger students for many, many years. She also enjoyed volunteering within the homeless community and even earned a Community Service Award from the Texas Governor for her contributions. One of her most treasured roles was serving in a sewing capacity to help mend the clothes of homeless men, women and children.

Ann took great pride in her work as an accountant and auditor, and enjoyed the challenge and art of debits and credits. When she wasn’t working, she loved spending time with her friends Pam Dozler and Jim Pumphret, going for walks and discussing literature and music. Always one to enjoy malarky, Ann wrote many poems and songs to express her witty side and bring joy to those around her.

Ann is survived by many loving family members including her 3 older brothers Alton, Gilbert and Earl Hargrave, her beloved sister Donna Beam, and youngest brother Jerry Michael Stevens. Her two children, Jessica Reddick (and husband Chris) and Gordon Martens (and wife Veronica) are her self-proclaimed greatest prides in life. She also leaves behind her beloved granddaughters Veronica, Emma and Guinevere and grandson Duncan. Being a grandmother was Ann’s favorite role of all.

Jessica and Gordon would like to extend unending thanks and appreciation to the doctors and nurses at St. David’s Medical Center in downtown Austin. Their efforts and the grace of God allowed us three precious weeks with our Mama before she went to her forever home with the Lord.

Family and Friends are invited to join us in honoring Ann at Cook Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home on Saturday, September 27th, 2025. Visitation with the family will begin at 12pm followed by Service at 1pm. Her burial will take place on Monday, September 29th at 2PM in Canton, TX where her earthly body will be laid to rest in Oakland Cemetery next to her dear Mama.