Martha Lee credits God, friends, fruits and vegetables for a long life.
Story and photos by Craig Reed
Upon meeting Martha Lee, it’s hard to believe she is 104 years old. She has a strong grip when shaking hands. When she walks across her living room, there is no hesitation and no cane or walker. When it is time to stand during Sunday’s church service, she’s the first or second to rise from a pew of older women.
Martha celebrated her 104th birthday on Feb. 23 with a large family gathering. She has two children, 9 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. “Life’s been great,” Martha says. “I feel good. God’s been good to me. I’m happy. I have so many friends. It would be sad not to have friends.”
Stewart Fowler, pastor at Calapooya Free Methodist Church, has known Martha since he came to the church 34 years ago. He confirms Martha is 1 of the first to stand from her pew seat. “Martha is just amazing,” he says. “I believe she could live well beyond 105. Everybody loves Martha.”
In addition to being physically fit enough to live by herself, Martha’s memory is intact. She remembers decades ago when there was no electricity at her family’s house or at her home as a young married woman.
The daughter of Don and Winnie Baird, Martha recalls sitting around the dining room table and doing homework with her 6 siblings by light from an oil lamp. The kids also played games by lamplight and near the fireplace. She remembers laundry being done with water hauled from a spring and heated on the wood stove and clothes being scrubbed on a washboard.
Martha attended Baird School on Cole Road, Day School on Oakhill Road, and Sutherlin High School. When asked what year she graduated from high school, she says, “Who knows?” with a laugh.
In 1946, the young woman married Mervin Lee, an Air Force mechanic who served in World War II. The couple was given 6 acres of the Baird homestead along Cole Road. They built a home there and raised their 2 children, Janet and Rick.
It wasn’t until 1948 that Douglas Electric Cooperative crews brought power lines to Cole Road. Martha says Mervin did the installation work to turn on lights in the Lee house and the nearby home of Martha’s parents.
“We were thrilled to have it,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to live without it now. That would be hard.”
But those oil lamps are still not retired. Through the years, when the power goes out, Martha lights up a lamp. In 1996, Martha and Mervin celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. That same year, Mervin died, and Martha moved into Sutherlin. 5 years ago, she moved to her current residence near Ford’s Pond.
The Methodist church was started by Martha’s grandmother, Nellie Baird. Martha and Mervin were supporters and caretakers of the church throughout their marriage, and Martha continues to be involved in a few activities.
At home, Martha spends her days reading, crocheting, and working on crafts. She’s made about 200 sock monkeys and dolls and has crocheted baby clothes for those in need.
“I think she just loves people,” Stewart says. “She’s always doing things with people and for people. She’s an incredible crafter. She’s active with her mind and with her hands.”
Martha has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, but it’s at an early stage. She takes medicine for diabetes and for her heart.
“No more than I have to,” she says of seeing doctors. She says another key to her longevity is her diet. For years, she has eaten only fruits and vegetables.
Longevity runs in Martha’s family. Her sister Dorothy lived to 100. Her only surviving sibling, Dick Baird, is 89, and she has two other female relatives who lived to 99.
“I just don’t want to be pushed around in a wheelchair,” Martha says. “I know where I’m going, so I’m good with whatever happens.”