Martha Jane Gahagan

Coushatta, LA - Martha Jane Gardner Gahagan "Tinker" of Coushatta, LA passed away on March 18, 2022 at the age of 87. The hearts of our family are broken, however we find peace in knowing she has been reunited with the love of her life, Bob. Tinker is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby R. Gahagan, her parents, Garland and Katie V. Gardner of Hall Summit, her son, Joe Gahagan of Bossier City, her brother, Billie Gardner of Haughton, her sister, JoAnne Davis of Ringgold, and step-grandson, Michael Shaw of Shreveport. Tinker was born in Hall Summit, LA on September 30, 1934. She married her childhood sweetheart, Bob, after completing his wartime service in Korea. She attended Northwestern State University earning Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees. Tinker and Bob made their home in Coushatta, LA and raised their three children there. An educator by profession, she worked for Riverdale Academy, Red River Parish Schools, and Caddo Parish Schools, among others. Tinker spent much of her life enjoying crafts and hobbies, such as sewing, cooking, and gardening. Additionally, upon her retirement, she and Bob traveled throughout North America with several of their regular RV buddies, seeing the sights and experiencing life across the United States and Canada. Tinker's greatest pride was most evident when she entertained her friends with stories about her numerous grandchildren. Tinker's family will always remember her amazing "feasts" at Christmas. She is survived by her children, Wally Gahagan and wife Cindy of Monroe, LA, and daughter, Mandie Crotwell and husband Lars of Tulsa, OK, grandchildren (Kelli, Jodi, Jordan, Tyler, Champy, Trevor, Katie, Andrew, and Jennifer), great-grandchildren (Dylan, Micah, Josie, Lillian, Lance, and Landon), sister-in-law, Doris Finnigan of Carlyss, daughter-in-law, Lisa Gahagan of Bossier City, and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at First Baptist Church in Coushatta, LA. Service will be at 11:00 AM, immediately following visitation. Burial will be at Social Springs Cemetery after the service. Pallbearers will be Tyler Gahagan, Champy Gahagan, Trevor Gahagan, Jordan Gahagan, Andrew Crotwell, and Pat Murray. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Lacy Hedge and the staff at Rosemont Assisted Living and Elara Caring Hospice in West Monroe for the love and care they have shown Tinker over the past few years.