Martha Ann was born in 1934 and passed away in 1998 after having multiple strokes - that was ten years ago today.

She was the daughter of Lucille, a fine woman in her own right, and the oldest of 6 girls. She was the mother of three girls and two boys. She was the grandmother of 9, one of which she never knew.

Her versatility as an all-around human being has been un-matched in my lifetime. She could meet someone and literally spend hours talking and laughing with them as if she knew them her entire life. She loved children - she worked as a teachers aid for many years - one reason she started this job was to be close to her youngest son when he started going to school all day.

She had class coming out of her pores without ever acting as though she was above anyone. Nobody was unworthy of a smile and conversation.

She was an excellent cook all around, but she made the best dinner rolls in the world. This, according to anyone who had the pleasure of tasting them.

Martha Ann was the glue that held her family together. Not just in life, but her loving influence holds her family together ten years after her death. She was the rock, a best friend and someone people loved to sit around and talk to.

Martha Ann was my mother and I miss her today like I did ten years ago.