Martha Wayne Bennett, 85

Martha (Cavanah) Bennett, 85, a longtime Columbia Falls resident, 'went to the hands of the Lord' on Saturday, June 21, 2008, at the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. She was born to Dr. L.L. Cavanah and Bessie Cavanah on Feb. 22, 1923, in Providence, Ky.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Willard 'Doc' Bennett; her parents; and a sister, Betty Dodds.

She is survived by two sons, Steve Bennett of Columbia Falls, and Gary Bennett of Cortez, Fla.; sister, Faye Collins, of Solana Beach, Calif.; and granddaughters, Lindsey Bennett and Jennifer Walker, both of Kalispell.

She married Willard 'Doc' Bennett on April 2, 1947, in Vallejo, Calif.

Martha studied nursing at Grady Hospital in Atlanta and became a registered nurse. She joined the Navy and went to Mare Island Naval Base in California. She was a registered nurse in the amputee ward there. She was honorably discharged there March 22, 1951.

She and 'Doc' moved to Hungry Horse during the construction of Hungry Horse Dam and set up practice there. They later moved to Columbia Falls and started a longtime practice.

She was an active member in the First Baptist Church, The Eastern Star, the Republican Party and many local charities.

Interment will take place at 2 p.m. today, June 26, at the Veterans Cemetery by the Veterans Home in Columbia Falls. The United Veterans of Flathead County will present honors and present the flag to granddaughter Lindsey Bennett.

Martha requested no services be held. Cremation has taken place.

Austin Funeral Home in Whitefish is handling arrangements.