Martha G. Davidson

East Lansing, MI

Martha Louise (Gruber) Davidson died on Sept. 6, 2018 at the age of 91. Born in Charleston, WV, on February 6, 1927 to Harry N. and Alene (Sanderson) Gruber. Martha spent most of her youth in Birmingham, MI. She graduated from Michigan State University with a BS in botany, and completed post-graduate studies in Oslo, Norway.

Martha married Harold Davidson on Dec. 30, 1950. Harold was a professor of horticulture at MSU. Married for 52 years, they raised three children, were actively involved in the East Lansing and MSU community, were members of The Peoples Church, travelled the world leading flower and garden tours, and enjoyed gardening, swimming, cross-country skiing, and golf. They also spent many happy vacations at their cabin in Canada. One of their lasting legacies is the Bees, Butterflies and Hummingbirds Garden, at the C.E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum on the MSU campus.

Her beloved husband, Harold Davidson; her parents; brother, Sandy; sister, Jane Waples; brother-in-law, Don Waples, and nephew, Mark Waples; all preceded Martha in death. Martha is survived by 3 children and their spouses, Kevin (Donna) Davidson of Lakewood, CA; Karen (Ron) Krzanowski of Okemos, MI; and Harriet (Paul) Graves of Lowell, MI, along with 6 grandchildren, Keri Ann and Ben Davidson, John and Jenny Krzanowski, Zachary and Jessica Graves.

Martha touched many lives with her perennial smile, great warmth and kindness. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bickford in Okemos, 3830 Okemos Road, Okemos MI, where Martha spent the last years of her life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the C.E. Lewis Landscape Arboretum. Contributions can be made online at https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/giving or by check, payable to MSU, with a notation for the arboretum and addressed: MSU Dept of Horticulture, Plant & Soil Science Bldg, 1066 Bogue St, Rm A-288, East Lansing, MI 48824.