Martha Ann Blaine Fikes passed away peacefully, February 15, 2020 at the age of 94 years.
She was born September 13, 1925 in Marvell, Arkansas to Johnny and Anna Blaine. Her mother, Anna Awtrey Blaine, died when Martha was five years old. She and her sister Betty came to Black Springs, Arkansas to live with their uncle and aunt, Carmon and Zena Alexander.
After Martha graduated from Mt. Ida High School in 1943, she worked for the U.S. Selective Service in Montgomery County until she met and married E.L. (Bill) Fikes in December 1945. She and Bill moved to Hot Springs, Arkansas where Martha was employed by Arkansas Power and Light (Entergy) from January 1946 until her retirement in 1986.
For many years she made 28 to 35 fruit cakes every Christmas to share with family, friends and coworkers.
She loved her nephews and nieces dearly and was truly one of the most generous aunts ever! Martha and Bill were charter members of Highland Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs, and were married 51 years before his passing.
She was preceded in death by her husband Bill, a WWII veteran, March 27, 1997. Also, her parents; her Uncle Carmon and Aunt Zena, that raised her; sisters Betty Willis and Anna Mae Duke.
Martha is survived by three nephews, Jack Fikes (Lynn), George Duke (Nancy) and Rick Bixler (Judy); five nieces, Libby Breedlove, Charlotte Chapman (Jimmy), Lyndia Oyler, Lola Dale Hartsell (Richard) and Betty Lang (Bob) and numerous great nephews and nieces.
The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Fortress Living Care Home (Tabita and Samuel Malan) and Kindred at Home (Hospice) for their kindness, care and compassion during the last weeks of her live.
Pallbearers are Jack Fikes, Paul Fikes, Garrett Fikes, Greg Breedlove, Joe Breedlove and Jacob Breedlove.
Visitation will be 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm Thursday with Funeral service beginning at 2:00 pm at Gross Funeral Home Chapel with her nephew, Rev. Jimmy Chapman officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens.
