Martha Faye Graham

Martha Faye (Handschy) Graham, 88, passed away on Wednesday, April 5 at Brookdale Assisted Living in Zanesville. A lifelong resident of Muskingum County, she was born in Norwich on Dec. 15, 1928, and moved to New Concord in 1939, where she met her lifelong love and partner George Graham. The storybook romance began when they sat next to one another in grade school and then became homecoming queen and football captain for New Concord High School their senior year. They were married in 1949, beginning a 67 year adventure. Throughout their marriage they set an example of a loving couple with strong family values.

In retirement Martha and George traveled extensively in their Airstream trailer, visiting 49 states. They created great friendships while spending their winter months in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley and summer vacations in Sarasota, Florida. In her later years, Martha and George lived in Zanesville.

Martha always created a beautiful and welcoming home. She also enjoyed socializing, playing cards with friends and had a wonderful smile that would light up any room. In addition to being a homemaker and excellent seamstress, Martha was instrumental in establishing the first kindergarten in New Concord in 1957. She was also a charter member of the New Concord Mother’s Club, which she still attended until shortly before her death.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd C. and Lenzie Handschy, sister Nelle Hoffman and brother L. Dane Handschy.

She leaves behind her loving husband, George; daughter Anne Graham Fretes (Carlos); and son David Graham (Keri). Also surviving are four loving granddaughters Beth, Haley, Carly and Mimi in addition to many nieces and nephews who she remembered fondly.

A remembrance will take place Monday, April 10, at 10:30 a.m. at Farus Funeral Home in New Concord.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Christian Church of Zanesville.

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