Madie Marie Martin Abner

Madie Marie Martin Abner, 91, of Kingwood, Texas, formerly of Terre Haute, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, January 25 in Kingwood, Texas, just one day after the passing of her beloved husband of 62 years, David L. Abner.

Madie was born August 11, 1931 in Nashville, Tennessee to James Michael Martin and Madie Lorene Ragan Martin. Madie is survived by two daughters, Debra Johnson, Terre Haute, IN and Connie Richards (Brett), Kingwood, TX; three grandchildren, Nicole Johnson, Indianapolis, IN; Jeffrey Johnson, Terre Haute, IN; and Katherine “Katie” Richards, Kingwood, TX; sisters-in-law, Rosalie Martin, Carmel, IN and Martha Sue High (Donald), Garden Grove, CA; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. Madie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three brothers, James Martin, Michael “Frank” Martin, and Charles Martin; sisters-in-law, Mary Jane Martin, Joan Martin, Edith “Joyce” Langsett; brother-in-law Richard Langsett; and son-in-law Drake Johnson.

Madie spent the first five years of her life in Nashville, Tennessee, until her family moved to Terre Haute. She attended St. Ann parish and school from 1st through 7th grade and after moving to the southside of Terre Haute, she attended 8th grade at St. Benedict.  She graduated from State Lab High School in 1949 and maintained life-long friendships with her “Girls of ‘49,” enjoying many reunions and lunches in their later years.  She remained a devoted member of St. Benedict parish for the remainder of her life, continuing to watch services online after moving to Kingwood, Texas.  Madie was also a member of the St. Benedict Altar Society, St. Benedict and Schulte High School Mothers Clubs, American Legion Post 104 Auxiliary, Voiture 40 & 8 Auxiliary, and Terre Haute First Financial Bank Goldenaires.

After high school, Madie worked for the Reuben H. Donnelley Corporation as a typist and receptionist until the birth of her daughter Connie.  When Connie started school, she worked for Terre Haute First National Bank in the bookkeeping and mortgage servicing departments until her retirement in 1988.  Never one to be idle, after retirement she helped care for her granddaughter, Katie, until she started school and then worked for Macy’s.  At 75, she began volunteering several hours every Monday in the parish office for St. Benedict, as well as serving as a sacristan, setting up the altar for every Saturday evening mass, which she continued to do until she moved to Kingwood five years ago.

The youngest of her siblings, Madie was adored by her three older brothers. Her brother Charlie walked her to school every day, and would eventually introduce her to her future husband, David, his friend and classmate.  Several years younger than her two older brothers, Jim and Frank, Madie got to be the fun and stylish young aunt to her many nieces and nephews.  Madie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, never missing a chance to gather with her large extended family.  Always close to her own mother, after whom she was named, Madie also took her in and cared for her during the final years of her life until her mother’s passing at 96.

A wonderful cook, Madie hosted countless holidays that often ended in a round of board games and her fits of contagious laughter.  She enjoyed spending time with the many new friends she made at Ivy Point in Kingwood, and participating in weekly bingo games, chef demonstrations, and craft and fitness classes there.  She also enjoyed going to the movies, watching the Hallmark channel, and attending her granddaughter Katie’s many dance and music performances.  Eternal gratitude is due to Connie, Brett, and Katie Richards for the devoted love and care they provided to Madie and Dave, particularly over the last few years and months.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Darst Funeral Home in Kingwood, TX and Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home in Terre Haute, IN.  Visitation will be held at St. Benedict Church, 111 S. 9th St., Terre Haute, IN, on Friday, February 3 from 10:00-11:30, followed by eulogy at 11:35, rosary at 11:40, and Mass of Christian Burial at 12:05.  Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery, Terre Haute, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities of Terre Haute and St. Benedict Soup Kitchen.