Martha Inez Withers, 101, died at Summer Hill Assisted Living, Oak Harbor, March 1, 2004. She was born Feb. 1, 1903, near Pierce City, Mo., spending 98 years in the state of Missouri.

Martha graduated from high school in Pierce City and attended college at SouthWest Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. She then taught elementary school in Pierce City. Martha was married to Donald Earl Withers May 31, 1925, in Pierce City. In keeping with her teaching contract, she was forced to resign her teaching position when she married.

Martha and Don moved to Kansas City in 1936 and during World War II, she worked in an aircraft factory. She was a very active member of the First Baptist Church of Kansas City for much of her life. She was also a Girl Scout leader for several years. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed sewing.

Martha moved to Oak Harbor in 2001 to be near her daughter and family. Since that time she has been attending First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor.

Martha Withers is survived by her daughter Donna Grate and son-in-law Donald of Oak Harbor. Three grandsons and their spouses, Philip and Margaret Grate of Fall City, Stephen Grate of Issaquah and Thomas and Yasuko Grate of Sammamish and three grandsons, Ryan and Kyle Grate of Fall City and Michael Grate of Issaquah also survive.

Funeral services will be held in Kansas City with burial next to her husband at Floral Hills Cemetery. The memorial service will be held at Oak Harbor First United Methodist Church at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.