Martha Ueckert McDaniel

Martha Ueckert McDaniel, 88, of Abilene, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, in Abilene.

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2026, in Elmwood Memorial Park with Rev. David Romanik of The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest, officiating. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd.

Martha was born to Hazel Jean (Whisenant) and Thomas Henry Ueckert on September 20, 1937, in Wichita Falls, Texas. She received her BA degree from Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, in English and Journalism. While in college she edited the university newspaper and magazine and held, at one time or another, all staff positions, writing as well as administrative. As a result of college activity and contributions to city and college life, she was selected to Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities.

She was also a former English/Journalism teacher, in Denver, Colorado. Public Relations Director, Kaw Valley Girl Scout Council, Topeka, Kansas. Program Promotion Director, International Communications Center, Ft. Worth, Texas. Publications Director, Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene, Texas. News Bureau Director, Hardin-Simmons University. Administrative Assistant, Abilene Association for Mental Health. Administrative Assistant, Texas Division, American Association of University Women.

Martha was also active in Community, Civic, Church, and Social offices, including XXI Club, program chairman Abilene Branch, National League of American Pen Women, president, reporter American Association of University Women, Abilene Branch, Used Book Sale Chairman, Abilene Woman's Club, vice president, board member, member numerous committees; ways and means chairman; chairman, modern living department; program vice president; parliamentarian. Preservation League of Abilene, board member. Served on Fine Arts Committee, Abilene Chamber of Commerce, that initiated the publication of THE ABILENIAN and was first editor. She has written and edited Abilene Philharmonic's newspaper supplement.

She was a member of Community Pride Committee, Abilene Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Beautify Texas Council Assistant Election Judge. Assistant Director of first workshop on aging in Abilene area in Cooperation with the governor's advisory committee on aging. Promotion Director for Project: Tel-A-View, a mental health field research project funded by the Hogg Foundation, Austin, Texas, and sponsored by the Abilene Association for Mental Health.

Martha was also Director of West Texas Area Energy Conservation Forum, West Texas Fair, Assistant Superintendent, Modern Living Mall; Chairman, Microwave Food Division, and enjoyed gardening, reading and cooking and was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest.

Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest Church, music ministry.