Martha May Mekeel was born in Joliet, Ill., on Feb. 27, 1930, to George and Ruth Mekeel. The family moved to Sacramento, Calif., in 1936. In her youth she was a beauty and frequently compared to Lana Turner, an actress from her generation. She attended schools in Sacramento where her love for horses developed early. With no money to pay for a horse or riding lessons, Barbara Worth, a noteworthy and accomplished horse woman and riding stable owner, let Martha work at the stable in exchange for riding lessons and the use of a horse. It was there that Martha met Adrian Hale, who would become her husband in 1954.
Martha attended U.C. Berkeley, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi. After graduation, Martha taught grammar school in San Francisco until the time of her marriage in Sacramento. They have two children, Tom and Dana. Tom Hale resides in Ketchum and Dana Hale in Klickitat, Wash.
While her husband was in the military, they lived on military bases for a few years until Adrian took a job in the private sector. They lived in Fresno, Calif., Merced, Calif., and Yakima Wash., eventually ending up in Ketchum.
Martha was always active in numerous organizations in California including the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae and the Junior League of Fresno. While living in Yakima, she helped with the rental car business, sold clothes for Doncaster, and served on the board of the Children’s Home Society of Washington. During her time in Ketchum, she volunteered and helped with many different fundraising events.
Martha and Adrian traveled extensively using their timeshares throughout Europe and beyond. Other interests included bridge, hiking, cooking, sewing, knitting, skiing and going to plays and symphonies. Her first love was riding her beloved horse, Lynx. Martha bonded with him through love, attention and dedicated training. They participated in many dressage events through the years. When our mom was failing, he accommodated her when they rode together, for more than 15 years. Together they were one of the few to be in the 100-year riding club, which required rider and horse to have the combined age of 100 years.
Martha was caring, sensitive, generous and thoughtful. She was an inspiration to all and we will miss her. She passed away peacefully on Sept. 4 from complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband. Now, Martha and Adrian can ride together again. Thanks for everything, Mom. Love, Tom and Dana.
Services are under the care of Wood River Chapel. Friends may visit www.woodriverchapel@aol.com to light a candle, leave a condolence and share memories.
