Ol' Nana, as she was known to her family, Martha, to her friends, and Aunt Martha, to her nieces and nephews, was born January 30, 1925. Her dad, Arthur Keith and mother, Doris, lived in Kentucky. A brother, Edward (Bud) soon followed and some time later little Harry.
She met some lifelong friends at the Baptist Youth Fellowship.
She attended the University of Michigan, where she joined the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. There she met her husband of 55 years, James W. Harris.They married on May 6, 1949 on the radio show "Bride and Groom" in Los Angeles, California, and received a honeymoon in Carmel.
James was in the Marine Corps. stationed in San Diego, when Cynthia was born in 1951.
Upon leaving the military, the family (including Doris) moved to Michigan. Jim worked in Detroit for Ford Motor Company and Martha made a home in Dearborn. Jamie was born there in 1953.
The family moved several times-New Orleans, Glendale, California, and eventually settled in Orange County, where Kelly was born in 1960.
Never one content to be just a "homemaker", Martha found many outside interests-yoga and meditation, work in a doctor's office, mail carrier, and attending workshops and meetings.
Always physically fit, she was an avid runner and swimmer. In addition, she worked out at a local gym for many years.
Garage sales and Thrift stores were her passions and she accumulated a ton of stuff- art, jewelry, toys, most of which, she would give away to friends family and the needy.
Always there for anyone who needed help!
Over her lifetime she provided unconditional love and support. Her strength was knowing that she helped those who needed it and she never asked "why".
Her infinite love of children was passed to her daughters. She had a heartfelt love of babies and toddles.
Throughout her lifetime she gave with joy!
So on her headstone she wanted the words She gave . . .
She is survived by her daughters Cynthia, Jamie, and Kelly, her granddaughters Colby and Taryn, grandsons Ty, Brad, Brian, Neal, Kyle, and Chad, as well as many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.
Submitted by: Cynthia Keith
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