Carol Velma Martin, age 92 of Crestline, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Born on April 29, 1933 to the late Lester and Velma (Gerstenslager) Pfleiderer in Galion, Ohio.
Carol met the love of her life, Robert Lee Martin, and the two were married on May 14, 1955. Rarely seeing one without the other, the two spent 54 wonderful years together
For many years Carol played an important role in managing the family business, Martin’s Tire Company, in Crestline that Robert and her started in 1964.
She enjoyed gardening, sitting on her porch swing simply enjoying the company of family and friends, she found peace in watching birds and marveling at the beauty of nature.
She was a devout Christian, she found great joy and strength in her faith and especially loved attending services at the Connect Church in Shelby.
Those who will cherish her memory include her son, Rodney (Sharon) Martin ; daughter-in-law, Karman Martin; grandchildren, Cynthia (Mark) Ady, Robert Martin, Allison (Erik) Sorensen, Rodney Jr. (Rachel) Martin, “AJ” Utter, Kyle Martin, Justina Barth, Jimmy Martin, and Colt Kelso; great-grandchildren, Jamee (Ryan Long) Fraser, Donahvin Martin, Vanessa Martin, Brenden Ady, Kirsten Ady, Scarlett Martin, Oliver Sorensen, Arrianna Utter, Corbyn Barth, Carsyn Barth, and Brynlee Kelso; and great-great-granddaughter Delanee Long. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Bernie (Wonnie) Martin and Norman Loyer; her lifelong best friend, Marlyn Kelber; along with numerous nieces, nephews, close friends and other relatives.
In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert Lee Martin, who passed away in 2009; son, Keith Martin; siblings Richard (Bertha) Pfleiderer, Robert (Dorothy) Pfleiderer, Harold (Vickie) Pfleiderer, and Jean Pfleiderer; sisters-in-law Alice (James) Salisbury and Christine (Homer) Hicks; and her lifelong friend, Kate Furr.
Friends and family may come to honor Carol’s life on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory in Shelby. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Rick Lewis officiating. Interment will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery in New Haven, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Carol’s memory to The Connect Church, 4062 London West Rd., Shelby, OH 44875, or to the American Heart Association at PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com