Martha Harlan Hardcastle, age 77, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 1, 2024 while surrounded by her family. She was living at Great Oaks Assisted Living, a caring and loving community, in Monroe, Ga. Born to Myrtle and Ermine Harlan on January 23, 1947, in Bowling Green, Ky, she was a ray of sunshine in the community and church she dearly loved. Marti, as she was affectionately called, was the baby of the family. She was sister to Bobby (Jane) Harlan and Nancy (Wayne) Crabb. She was a graduate of Bowling Green High School and from there attended Western Kentucky University. Marti's love extended to her twin daughters, Amy (husband Brian) Boyles and Anne (husband Michael) Hardman. As a stay-at-home mother, they were the greatest joy of her life until she became a Nana to four grandchildren, Grace Micahla (22), Olivia Marie (19), Elizabeth Anne (18) and Jackson Ramsey (17). She was exceedingly proud to say the least, especially because her famous cranberry salad will continue to shine in all its glory at the Thanksgiving table. Marti had a special gift for ministering to senior adults. When the girls were older, she worked as a part-time Assistant Activities Director for Medco in Franklin, Ky. Her daughters have fond memories of her singing, decorating wheelchairs and doing pretty much whatever it took to make the residents smile. Marti was also a member of the Southern Arts and Crafts Guild. Known for her beautiful woodworking ability and intricate tole painting style, she was often commissioned to paint special pieces. Marti's personality and love for the Lord touched everyone she knew. She had a servant's heart and strived to be extraordinarily kind to anyone who knocked on her door, immediately offering a glass of sweet tea or a cold coca cola and whatever chocolate she had on hand as a welcoming gesture. She loved the color red, unique tennis shoes, daisies and anything gingham. She was an avid gardener, bird watcher, THE hostess among hostesses and everything she touched was made beautiful. For those of us who remain, it is a glorious thought to dwell upon the truth that Marti is now reunited with her beloved parents, sister and brother, nephew Casey Harlan, great nephew Cody Harlan, and many, many aunts, uncles and cousins. There was no sting in death, only the glorious presence of Jesus, who carried her to her forever home.

There will be a private celebration of life on Saturday, June 8, 2024. Flowers and/or cards of encouragement can be sent to 642 Brook Hills Drive, Covington, GA 30014. There will also be a celebration of life held in Kentucky at a future date.