Martha Mccain

Martha Belle (Gandy) McCain, 79, of Alliance, NE, formerly of Atwood, KS, died January 18, 2016, in Alliance. She was born July 4, 1936 at her home near Hazlehurst, Mississippi to Jesse A. and Martha Jewel (Batton) Gandy. After graduating high school, Marty joined the United States Army Women’s Army Corp and worked at the Pentagon. During her time of service, she was involved in a car accident. While recuperating in the hospital, Marty met the love of her life, L. Gene McCain, who was also hospitalized. They were married in Liberty, Mississippi, on December 28, 1955 and returned to Atwood, Kansas to start their married life.

Their family grew quickly with the birth of 8 children in just under 10 years. While lovingly caring for her husband, children and home, Marty enjoyed each phase and all the activities that come with a large family. Marty believed in and relied on the Lord and brought her children up singing and praising the Lord in song.

Her fervors in life were gardening, canning, yardwork (on hot summer days), reading, college education courses, writing poetry, and cooking for family and friends. She was known for her ability to furnish a delicious meal for however many “showed up.” She also enjoyed traveling, especially with her children and grandchildren, and spending time with “Mom and Dad” on the McCain farm. As a member of Eastern Star Radiant Chapter #229, one of her special joys was holding many offices and serving multiple times as Worthy Matron, along with serving as District Aide and as a Grand Representative. She so loved all the Star family and enjoyed the times they were together.

Marty held many jobs in Atwood but her passion was working at the nursing home, caring and advocating for the elderly. She started her career as a nurse aide and, after taking classes through Colby Community College, became a Certified Medication Aide, Social Services Designee, and Medical Records Designee. She always took time to hold a hand, have a conversation, or give a hug to ensure residents were treated with dignity. She retired from the nursing home to care for her husband and Mother (in-law), feeling blessed to spend time with them both.

Marty’s last years were spent in Alliance, Nebraska to be closer to her daughters Jennifer and Jill. She lived at the Highland Park Care Center and made many new friends, lovingly cared for by the staff who will always be considered angels by her family. She looked forward to her daily visits and care from Jennifer and enjoyed visits, cards, and pictures from family and friends.

Proceeding her in death are her husband L. Gene McCain, infant daughter Cynthia Ann, her parents Jesse and Jewel Gandy, brothers Jack, Henry, Billie, and Paul; sister Mary Littell; and father-in-law and mother-in-law Louis and Bethel McCain.

Survivors include her daughters, Martha Jean “Butch” Bowles and husband, Brad, of Atwood, Jennifer Lea Schmid and husband, Anthony, of Alliance, Nebraska, and Anita Jill Jankovits and husband, James, of Crawford, Nebraska; sons, Lawrence Dean “Bud” and wife, Micki, of Atwood, Leslie Duane “Les” and wife, Susan, of Atwood, Anthony Lynn and wife, Sue, of Reedsburg, Wisconsin, and Joseph Neil “Joe” and wife, Connie, of Atwood; brother Daniel Gandy and wife, Betty Sue, of Linden, Alabama; sister Lillie Bullard of Lexington, Kentucky; sisters-in-law Sylvia Gandy of Sugarland, Texas, Linda Gandy of Monticello, Mississippi, and Janet (McCain) Norman of Atwood, Kansas; brother-in-law Dale Littell of Maywood, Nebraska; 18 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; other relatives; and many good friends.

Visitation is 4-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 22, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood. Funeral service is 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Baalmann Mortuary, Atwood, with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Highland Park Care Center Memory Unit, PO Box 950, Alliance, Ne 69301 or the Atwood Public Library, in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. Online condolences: www.baalmannmortuary.com