Martha Ellen Ryland Hendren

B: July 5, 1921
D: April 14, 2014

Two remarkable things happened Monday, April 14, 2014, in Oklahoma City. It snowed which turned out to be a tribute to the peaceful passing of Martha Ellen Hendren-a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She was born July 5th, 1921 in Crescent, Oklahoma to William and Ora Ryland and was the youngest of 6 siblings. Martha graduated from the Oklahoma City General Hospital School of Nursing (now Mercy Hospital) in 1941, where she met her lifelong partner of 63 years - Dr. Walter Scott Hendren.

They started their lives and careers together after World War II in south Oklahoma City. Martha was instrumental in helping her husband establish one of the finest medical practices in the city and dedicated her life to many charities and organizations that promoted the welfare and healing of the sick and needy for many years.

One of her passions was knitting over 1000 baby caps which were distributed throughout the city hospitals to newborn infants.

Martha is survived by son William Scott Hendren and wife Linda of Guthrie; son Martin Paul Hendren and wife Donna of Concord, California; grandson Jeff Hendren and wife Lorie of Arcadia and great grandchildren Jordan, Lauren, Logan, Brooklyne and Caleb; granddaughter Jana Reeves and husband Lee of Tulsa and great grandson Drew; granddaughter Whitney Hendren of Seattle, Washington; granddaughter Taylor Vencill and husband Bryan of San Ramon, California; grandson Chris Bryant and wife, Tami and great grandchildren Cody and Krystal; granddaughter Beth Wade and husband Lt. Colonel Kevin Wade USAF and great grandchildren Madison, Jack and Kieran.

We will miss her strength of character, moral compass and wisdom; the many cribbage games with family and friends; the reruns of Murder She Wrote; but mostly remember her love and dedication to her family.

A funeral service will be held at Vondel L. Smith Mortuary, 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd., Oklahoma City, at 10am Saturday, April 19th..