Martha Elaine (Kennon) Bailey |
| Posted 2009-04-01 by Sharon |
| The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ January 9, 2008, p. A11 Martha Kennon-Baily Martha Elaine Kennon-Bailey, age 85, died at Sun West Assisted Living on Jan. 5. She was born August 30, 1922 in Morrilton, Ark., to William and Thelma Powell Kennon. When she was a young teen, her family migrated to Southern California. Martha was a tall shy beauty with dark eyes, gorgeous auburn hair and a smile that could light the night. She sang in her church choir, women’s Glee Club, and volunteered for the USO, dancing the night away. She’s also been a hair model, sewed most of the elegant gowns she worn at hair shows. As a naturally gifted artist she produced an amazing collection of beautiful original oil paintings. She held a senior citizen permanent hunting/angling license, was skilled in both lakes and deep-sea fishing, and was quite the aim in target shooting. She was a den mother on camp outings for the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Martha loved to garden, especially roses. As a young adult she witnessed the flight of the Spruce Goose and more than 50 years later was present for the opening of Hughes flying boat at the Evergreen Museum of Flight in Oregon. She loved adventure, spending her 75th birthday white-water rafting, and celebrated her 80th flying with grandkids. She also enjoyed a relaxing round of golf with friends. She worked for the Lockheed Martin Space Program and was thrilled to travel to Florida to witness the space shuttle lift-offs. Prior to living in Oregon, she retired to her home in Lake Tahoe where she loved the picturesque sites for painting, fishing in the deep blue lake and downhill skiing at Kirkland or Heavenly Valley. She was an extra in a Peter Seller’s movie, and witnessed Bruce Jenner carrying the Olympic torch. She also volunteered as a nurses’ aid a position she loved and took very seriously. Her favorite travels were seeing the beautiful natural sites throughout the United States via RV. She was a lifetime member of FEDCO, Inc. She held long time memberships in the Elks organization, AARP, and was a founding member of United We Stand America. She grew up in the shadow of women’s suffrage, the passing of the 19th Amendment and always took her right to vote very seriously. Martha was an extremely giving and loving daughter, sister, niece, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She adored and always went the extra mile doing individual and special things for each of her grandchildren. She was there for her aging parents and when others were in need. She loved to laugh, to dance and reading was a quiet solitude she relished for as long as her failing vision allowed.. Later ‘Books on Tape’ gave her great comfort. Animals were always part of her life; she considered them among her best friends. She honors those who rescue and care for abused and discarded pets. As per her wishes, in lieu of flowers please make a contribution to the local care and rescue home for abused and abandoned animals, Muttley Crew, through Dr. John Oplinger at the Wickenburg Veterinary Clinic. A few years ago, she made her final retirement move to the warmth and beauty of Wickenburg, Ariz. Martha lived a full life and crossed peacefully just before midnight on Saturday night. She leaves behind her brother, three children, six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, with one more due in a few months. A memorial service will be held Friday (Jan. 11) at 3 p.m. at Wickenburg Funeral Home Chapel, 187 N. Adams St. in Wickenburg. Family will have a private graveside service in Prescott, Arizona. We would like to thank all of those who have administered such loving care to Martha. Thank you to Dr. Richard Melde, R. & R. Respite Center, Hospice of the Valley, Sun West Assisted Living Facility, Mountainside Assisted Living and to Tracy Mattice at Wickenburg Funeral Home for his wonderful professional attention. Arrangements under the direction of Wickenburg Funeral Home & Crematory. |
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