Martha Ann Burdell Mason1956-2017Martha Ann Burdell Mason, 60, formerly of Abilene,Tx., passed away January 27, 2017 after fighting a long courageous and hard fought battle with liver disease and liver transplant surgery. Martha was born on September 26, 1956 in Graham, Texas. The first born of three daughters to Ann and Ted Burdell. Martha and her family moved to Abilene when she was 5 years old. She attended Bonham, Lincoln and graduated from Abilene High in 1975. After attending Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, Martha joined Southwest Airlines as a flight attendant, where she met her future husband, Rick Mason, and they wed on May 9, 1987.Martha worked within the Texas A&M University campus for many years, 1996-2016. She began her career with the Sports Information Department. As a travel director for The Association of Former Students she traveled the world extensively with Venice,Italy being her all time favorite destination. She was employed with The Office of the Board of Regents when she became ill.Martha's most precious joys in life were those of being a wife, mother, grandmother "Mimi" to Kennedy Jane, sister and friend. Time with her family was the most precious of all. One of her many talents was events planning. She planned numerous family gatherings with the most famous and cherished being the Sister's Reunion at the river house. She also enjoyed planning family gatherings at the Morris ranch, and Aggie football parties. Martha was an amazing cook and loved the outdoors but she will be most remembered for her sense of humor, zest for life, optimism and love of family.Martha is survived by her husband Rick Mason; son Ryan Mason and wife Stephanie; granddaughter Kennedy Jane Mason of College Station, Tx.; step-daughter Holly Mason of The Woodlands, Tx; step-son Michael Mason of Brisbane, Australia; step-grandchildren Emma and Camille Mason of Boerne, Texas; father Ted Burdell & wife Virginia of Azle, Tx; sisters Carol Morris & Dale of Abilene, Tx, Gail Kennemer & Tom of Abilene, Tx.; brother-in-laws Russ Mason & Nancy of College Station, Tx., Mark Mason & Annie of College Station; nephews, Casey Morris of Abilene, Tx., Marshall Morris & Melanie of Abilene, Tx., Brandon Parker & Megan of Abilene, Tx., Michael Parker & Cara of Abilene, Tx; great nieces and nephews Luke, Kate, Tristan and Kellan Parker of Abilene, Tx., Laney, Brooks and Parker Morris of Abilene, Tx.; many Aunts, Uncles and dear Friends. Martha was preceded in death by her mother Ann Burdell; maternal grandparents: Roy & Bessie Taylor of Graham, Texas.Martha's family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and caregivers from Houston Methodist Hospital-LSICU who loved and cared for Martha for the past 8 months.There will be two Memorial Services Celebrating the life of Martha Ann Burdell Mason.Saturday February 4, 2017 at 11:00 pm at Grace Bible Church Southwood Campus, 1901 Harvey Mitchell Pkwy S, College Station, Tx 77840 and Saturday February 11, 2017 at 2:00 pm at Wylie Methodist Church, 3430 Antilley Rd., Abilene, Tx 79606 There will be a reception following each service.In lieu of flowers memorials may be donated to Ben Richey Boys Ranch, benrichey.org or New Horizons, newhorizonsinc.com