Martha Jane "Mema" Ely

Martha Jane "Mema" Ely, of Sallisaw, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on April 10, 2025, at the age of 80, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Born on May 31, 1944, in Sallisaw, she was the daughter of Opal Juanita (Riggs) Harden and James Edward Harden.

Martha was a woman of many talents and interests. She held notable titles such as FFA Sweetheart, Sallisaw Football Queen, Mr. & Mrs. Teenager, and The Queen of 6j Ranch. Her love for life was evident in her passion for dancing and her ability to light up any gathering with her wit and humor.

On April 9, 1963, she married the love of her life, John Ely, and together they created a family that would go on to bring her immense joy. Martha was a dedicated mother to her three daughters, Dayla Ely-Sanders and Terry of Sallisaw, OK, Melissa Ely Person of Fayetteville, AR, and Dana Ely Mitchell of Plano, TX, as well as to her son, Jason "Hoot" Ely and Lavonne of Sallisaw, OK.

Her legacy lives on in her 17 grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Jessica and Benjamin Kruger, Jake and Meagan Seay, Ty and Brittney Sanders, Cody Sanders, Colt and Brooke Sanders, Kortni and Tim Gentry, Matt and Chelsea Merrill, Ashley and Tracy Dill, Alivia Person, Emma Person, Josten and Kara Ely, Garret and Chasity Ely, Tanner and Hannah Ely, Jacqulyn and Isaac Wallace, Elijah and Chandler Angeletti, Victoria Mitchell, and Isabella Angeletti. Additionally, she is survived by 25 great-grandchildren, who will cherish the memories they made with her.

Martha's family ties extended beyond her immediate family, including three sisters: Barbara Enyart and Clint, Jo Ann Harden, and Eva Boyd, all of Sallisaw, OK; and one brother, Ike Harden and Earlene of Sallisaw, OK. She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, Shirley Ann Harden and June Reese, and one brother, Jimmy Harden.

Martha was also known for her service at Aviagen, working as a Pullet House Operator, and was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Sallisaw. She cherished her four-legged companions, "Smokey" and "The Bandit," and was grateful for the comfort and companionship they provided.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Shonna Allen, Jody Martin, Tanya Long, Janet Baldwin, Meagan Seay, Errica Chronister, and the staff of Complete OK Hospice for their unwavering love, care, and compassion.

A memorial service to celebrate Martha's life will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 14, 2025, at Bethel Baptist Church in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.

Martha Jane "Mema" Ely will be lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched, as her spirit continues to shine brightly through her family and friends.