Martha Jentz Harrison

HARRISON, Martha Jentz, age 102, died peacefully at home on February 27, 2012. Loving, gracious and elegant, hers was a life well lived. Martha began her journey on July 29, 1909, the daughter of Frederick H. Jentz and Amelia L. Strutz, both of German descent, in Appleton, Wisconsin. An enthusiastic student, Martha flourished in school. On several occasions she was honored by her peers and was valedictorian of her high school senior class. Martha went on to Lawrence College and the University of Wisconsin, where she studied music and languages, graduating with a BA degree. She was the Registrar at Lawrence College before her marriage to Dr. Ward Harrison in 1936. Martha and Ward had three children, for whom they provided a loving home. Passionate about music throughout her life, Martha was an accomplished pianist and award-winning composer. Her compositions ranged from children's songs to an entire operetta, as well as classically inspired pieces for the piano. Martha formed and nurtured a multitude of friendships throughout her life, and placed great importance on maintaining strong personal connections. She was an excellent bridge player and competitive games woman, enjoyed reading, loved to travel, and delighted many with her witty sense of humor. Missing Martha greatly are her son and daughter-in-law Fred and Nan Harrison of Richland, MI, her daughter Ann Langston of Larkspur, CA and her daughter Lynn Harrison of Bridgton, ME and San Rafael, CA; grandchildren Lynn Kenerson, Karen Long, Geoff Harrison and Dave Langston; seven great-grandchildren, a nephew, two nieces and many more loving family members and friends. She is pre-deceased by her husband Ward D. Harrison, PhD, a former paper industry leader (1986), her brother Frederick Jentz and her sister Genevieve Jahn. Family members will gather in Dayton, OH on March 5, 2012 for a service honoring Martha. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Martha J Harrison Piano Education Fund, c/o Gilmore Keyboard Festival, 359 S. Kalamazoo Mall, #101, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

Funeral Home:
Kettering Routsong Funeral Home
2100 E. Stroop Rd.
Kettering, OH
US 45429