Betty Jane Martin slipped away quietly at her home on Saturday, March 25, 2017, three days short of her 101st birthday.
She was born on March 28, 1916, in Youngstown, Ohio, to George and Mabel (Leeworthy) Hartman. She attended Wittenberg University and earned certification as an elementary school teacher.
While at Wittenberg, Betty sang in the school’s acapella choir. During a choir trip to Mansfield, she went on a blind date with James Richard Martin. The pair fell in love at first sight and eloped to West Virginia the following year.
The couple made their home in Mansfield, where they raised their daughter Cheryl and son Rick. They were married for 44 years, until Jim’s death in 1981.
In addition to raising her family, Betty devoted herself to teaching elementary school. She taught for 28 years at Carpenter Elementary School, and is remembered with love and admiration by her many students, some of whom remained friends with her until her death.
After retiring from teaching, Betty took great pleasure in traveling the world, and especially enjoyed spending time with her husband in Hawaii. She was a member of the First Congregational Church, and also enjoyed participating in many local organizations. She adored her cat Princess, who offered her companionship for 17 years.
Always one to count her blessings, Betty lived her life in optimism and faith. She was a “people person” who loved her friends dearly and enjoyed spending time out and about with them. She often told people that she loved hugs. When asked the secret to a long life, she inevitably responded, “Faith, family and friends.”
She is survived by her daughter Cheryl (Koke) Cummins, of Mansfield, her daughter-in-law Margaret McGrew Martin, of Lucas, grandchildren Bruce (Geneva) Cummins, Steve (Karen Redfearn) Cummins and Claudia Cummins, all of Mansfield, Laura Martin, of Seattle, and Andrew (Trisha) Martin, of Dayton. She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren, who filled her with great happiness and pride.
In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Marie Erickson and Neva Jean Hartman, as well as her son Richard Lee Martin and her infant granddaughter Lisa Lynn Martin.
The family wishes to express its heartfelt appreciation and love to caregiver Hilda Haering, whose support and companionship made it possible for Betty to live at home until her death. The family also offers deep thanks to OhioHealth Hospice, Servant’s Heart Caregivers, and the many supportive friends and helpers who meant so much to Betty.
A memorial service honoring Betty’s life will be held Saturday, April 15, 2017, at 1 p.m., at the First Congregational Church at 640 Millsboro Road in Mansfield. The family will greet guests in the church parlor after the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Betty Martin Elementary Education Fund at the Richland County Foundation, which benefits the needs of local schoolchildren.
