Martha Ann Garland, 92, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital.
Martha was born on February 10, 1934, in Paducah, Kentucky, to the late Cletus F. Budde and Anita M. Budde. She graduated from Augusta Tilghman High School in 1952 and attended Murray State College before earning her M.T. (ASCP) certification at Norton Memorial Hospital School of Medical Technology. Her career as a medical technologist began at the Medical Arts Building in Paducah, and she later retired from Western Baptist Hospital. She also served on the Kentucky Foster Care Review Board for several years and was a long-time member of Lone Oak First Baptist Church.
Martha found happiness in caring for her flowers, getting lost in a good book, and spending time at their family cabin on the lake with those she loved. She was always ready for a trip, whether it took her to the beach, the mountains, or a national park.
Especially meaningful to Martha were the trips she took with just her two children, Budde and Marta. She loved choosing places they might never have visited on their own, giving them new experiences and memories to share together. Their travels took them to the Canadian Rockies, Sedona, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and San Francisco. The moments they shared exploring together became cherished memories.
Martha enjoyed being around people and valued the friendships she shared with her coworkers and friends. Above all, she loved her family. Her grandchildren were her whole world, and being their “Nana” brought a joy unlike any other. The memories of their time together will remain a treasured part of her family’s lives.
Martha is survived by her son, Budde Garland (Linda) of College Grove, Tennessee; her daughter, Marta Nall of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Gavin Nall (Jordan) of Paducah, Kentucky, Austin Nall of Greenville, South Carolina, Matthew Garland (Hayley), Andrew Garland, and Levi Nall all of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. She is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Beckett Nall and Tatum Nall, both of Paducah, Kentucky; her nephew, Max Garland of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and her niece, Patty Poyner of West Paducah, Kentucky.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Horace R. Garland, and her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens Chapel with Rev. Bob Martin officiating.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the Lone Oak Chapel of Milner & Orr Funeral Home.
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