Martha Ann Gannon

Martha Ann Shields Gannon, 77, longtime Monrovia resident, died peacefully at home in the early hours of her birthday morning, September 17. She was surrounded by her beloved family. Martha was born in 1934, in Morgan County to the late Clair and Ruth (Paul) Shields.

Martha graduated valedictorian from Monrovia High School in 1952. She earned a B.A. in History from Indiana University in 1956. She taught professionally in various school districts following college, and later began working with researchers at Indiana University, retiring in 1999 from the Indiana University School of Medicine, Division of Biostatistics.

Always civic minded, Martha was involved in community projects, such as the Monrovia Festival. She served on the Monrovia Town Council as well as the Planning and Zoning Commission. She was a faithful member of the Monrovia United Methodist Church, the Dorothy White Circle, and enjoyed singing in the church choir.

Survivors include sons, Sean Gannon (Sherry) of Monrovia, Joseph Gannon (Michele) of Monrovia, Thomas Gannon (Alex Mirkin) of Indianapolis; daughter Margaret Bauer (Dale) of Monrovia; brothers, Paul Shields, Columbus, OH, William Shields, Martinsville, Larry Joe Shields, Lima, OH; sister Jane Williams, Monrovia; grandchildren, Joseph Tyler Gannon, Ezra Gannon, Sarah Bauer and Zachary Bauer; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, etc.

Friends and family will gather on Monday, September 19, 2011, from 4pm to 8pm at Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville. The funeral service will begin at 10:30am on September 20 in the Monrovia United Methodist Church. Interment will be at West Union Cemetery, Monrovia. Visit www.carlislebranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.