Martha Keahey Ellis' Obituary
Martha Keahey Ellis was born in Arkansas on November 25, 1927, and met her Lord face to face on May 30, 2023 at the age of 95. She prided herself on being the oldest living member of her family. She taught school for 40 years, 33 of those years being at Pine Tree ISD. She was an elementary counselor for the last 4 years before retiring in 1991. Martha loved to travel, decorate her house, and play Duplicate Bridge. She was so proud of her Life Master level that she obtained by playing expertly at many bridge tournaments. Martha was a true lady in how she dressed and presented herself. She loved people, would help anyone at the drop of a hat, and always made people feel welcome wherever she was. Whenever anyone would come to her house, she made sure that they knew about Jesus before they left. She could sing every word of every verse of every hymn. Her faith in God was strong which kept her very active in First Baptist Church for many years.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Ellis; her daughter and son in law, Diane and Dave Miller, brothers and sister in law, Norman Canterbury and Hugh and Mary Jean Canterbury.
Martha was an amazing mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, lovingly called Meemaw. She is survived by children, Becky and Buck Birdsong of Longview; Rick and Cindy Keahey of Ridgefield, WA; grandchildren, Katy and Charlie Rue of Longview; Lori and Cody Aldredge of Gladewater; Traci and Jared Eifert of Lucas; and Maxee and Nathan Eanes of Vilonia, AR; Marcus Maring of Federal Way, WA, and Andrea Baggest of Bethlehem, PA. Great-grandchildren, Morgan Rue, Tinsley, Brady and Ava Aldredge, Jaxson and Reese Eifert; Adam, Piper, Bristol, Knox and Bear Eanes; a niece and several nephews and sister in law.
The family would like to thank Buckner Westminster Place for the wonderful care that was given to Martha for the 11 years that she lived there. They will forever be grateful for the love that was shown to her.
There will be a family memorial service planned at a later date.
What’s your fondest memory of Martha?
What’s a lesson you learned from Martha?
Share a story where Martha's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Martha you’ll never forget.
How did Martha make you smile?

