Martha E. Wilhelm, 96, of Mansfield, passed away Friday, July 3, 2015, at Florida Hospital-Waterman in Tavares, Florida. She was born March 21, 1919, in Mansfield, Ohio, to the late Frederick and Jessie (Snyder) Winkler.
Martha graduated from Mansfield Senior High School in 1937 and worked at Mansfield Tire and Rubber Company until her marriage to Joseph Henry Wilhelm. After her children were grown, she worked for several years at Neer Manufacturing in Lexington. Her greatest joy in life was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed gardening and planting flowers and her green thumb was evident both inside and outside her home. Martha enjoyed traveling with her husband, Joseph.
She grew up in Grace Gospel Church (now known as First Alliance Church) where her father was a founding member and builder. Martha was very active in many ladies groups in the church. She was a member of the retiree’s group-Lexington Senior Citizens- and traveled with them often.
Martha is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Nicki and Dave Boodey; two grandchildren, Erin Boodey and Amber Boodey Gnann; a great-grandson, Trenton Gnann; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Wilhelm; daughter, Judith “Judi” Portner Balyeat; infant son, Joel Frederick Wilhelm; and three siblings, Florence Winkler, Ralph Winkler and Ruth Winkler Hammer.
Private graveside services were held in Mansfield Memorial Park with Pastor James Cheatham-Senior Care Pastor of First Alliance Church officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to First Alliance Church, 291 W. Cook Rd., Mansfield, OH 44907. The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.
Words of comfort may be expressed at www.wappner.com.
