Martha O'Daniel

Martha Ann O'Daniel, age 92 of Benton, KY passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Lake Way Nursing & Rehabilitation in Benton, KY.  

Born in Lindin, Tennessee on February 7, 1933, she was the daughter of the late H.B. Tarkington and late Sally Wilburn Tarkington.  She was a retired floral designer for Benton Florist and was a member of First Baptist Church of Calvert City, KY.  Martha taught Sunday School for 3 year olds at First Baptist Church for many years.

She overcame many challenges, including treatments for both breast and skin cancer several times over the years, always being optimistic and reassuring of the outcomes, not wanting to cause any stress or burden to those around her.

Most of all, whether it was pageants, ball games, soccer matches, car races, or simply watching them for the day, she always enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She could often be heard telling friends stories of their latest adventures and achievements.

Surviving are her daughter, Sharon Gordon of Benton, KY, daughter-in-law, Judy O'Daniel of Calvert City, KY, grandchildren, Michael Gordon (Joanna), Brett O'Daniel (Ashley), Tyler O'Daniel (Kalyn), and great-grandchildren, Morgan Gordon (Daniel), Gavin O'Daniel, Emma O'Daniel, Avery O'Daniel, Abigail Marshall and Rex O'Daniel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Chester Lowell O'Daniel, son, Phillip Lowell O'Daniel, brother, Gene Wilburn Tarkington, and sister, Shelby June Tarkington.

A Funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Collier Funeral Chapel located at 211 West 5th St. Benton, Kentucky 42025 with Bro. Rick Johnson officiating.

Interment will follow in Calvert City Cemetery, Calvert City, KY.

Visitation will be held between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Collier Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be given to Kosair Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.