Mary Martha (Wall) Upshaw

Dec. 31, 1922 — Aug. 7, 2012

Mary Martha (Wall) Upshaw, age 89, passed away Aug. 7, 2012, in Orland, Calif. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, at 10:30 a.m., at F D Sweet & Son, 825 A Street in Orland, Calif.

Mary was born to Frank and Hilma Wall of Sacramento, Calif., on Dec. 31, 1922. She was happy to be one of the six “Wall girls” and had many happy memories of her childhood, including summers in Turlock with her Lundell cousins.

While working at McClellean Air Force Base during World War II as an auditor checker, a friend arranged a blind date with a handsome sailor, Harold Upshaw of Sapulpa, Okla. After a courtship that included many air letters between Sacramento and the USS Carter Hall in the Pacific Theatre, Mary and Harold were married on Feb. 22, 1945. They raised their family (daughter, Karen and son, Frank) in Sacramento and Auburn, Calif., then moved to Shingle Springs in 1971, where Harold established his plumbing business. Mary loved the view of the Sierra Nevada mountains from their front porch and hosted many dinners and family gatherings. Her life centered around faith, family and friends. With a warm smile and a kind, loving word for each person she met, Mary was a good friend and wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her stories about growing up during the Depression were always happy memories and her children, nieces and nephews saw her as the source of family history.

Mary and Harold moved to WestHaven Assisted Living in Orland in June 2007. Mary joyfully participated in the many activities of the day, especially the music programs. Harold preceded Mary in death in May 2010; they had been married 65 years.

Mary is survived by her sister, Edna (Jim) Delk; sister-in-law, Helen (Otis) Croy; sister-in-law, Audra Stivers; her daughter, Karen (George); and son, Frank (Ginger); grandchildren, Ami (Steve), David (Stephanie), Elizabeth (Greg), Kyle, Courtney and Jason; and great-grandchildren, Keandra, Jenalyn, Conley and Avin; as well as cousins, nephews and nieces.

Mary will be lovingly remembered for her sweet spirit, positive, encouraging words and her love of family. Her life verse was Luke 10:42.

The family wishes to express deep appreciation to the staff, caregivers and leadership team of WestHaven Assisted Living for the love and attention they lavished on our parents. Thank your for making WestHaven “home” for Mom. We were blessed to have her with you, especially as she went to be with Dad.