Martha Thomas Rothermel

August 10, 1913 — February 1, 2011

Martha Thomas Rothermel, 97, of Richmond, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2011 at Friends Fellowship Community.

Martha was born in Fountain City, Indiana to Forrest W. and Marie (Shoemaker) Lacey on August 10th, 1913. After graduating from high school, she attended the Kelley School of Business in Dayton, Ohio, becoming proficient in shorthand. Martha's career of taking depositions for lawyers, being court reporter for the Wayne County Superior Court, and having her own reporting business, spanned fifty years.

Martha and M. Reid Thomas were married in 1933. Their happy marriage lasted forty four years until the death of Reid in 1977. To this marriage, one beloved son, Stuart Reid Thomas, was born in 1936. Stuart sadly preceded his mother in death in 1997.

Martha had two very happy marriages in her later years. She was married to Kenneth Ashbrook and Russell Rothermel. Each marriage brought new companionship and wonderful new families into her life.

Martha is survived by a loving daughter-in-law Glenda (Roger ) Thomas Crane, three cherished grandchildren, Steve (Lisa) Thomas, Gayla (John) Meredith, and Sam (Karen) Thomas, as well as nine great grandchildren, Tricia, Thomas, Zach, Andrew, Lindsay (John), Jacob, Hannah (Jason), Matt, and Sam, and two great-great grandaughters, Natalie and Elise. One aunt, Gwendolyn Kelley and a sister-in-law Jean Lacey, nieces and nephews survive her. A sister Geraldine Scott, and a brother Forrest Lacey are deceased.

Martha was a lifelong Methodist belonging to Central United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling, playing bridge, reading, and treasured many friends that greatly enriched her life. In her later years, she served as a volunteer at Birthright.

A private funeral ceremony will be conducted by family members at the Smith & McQuiston Funeral Home, 321 US 27 South, Fountain City. Interment will follow in Willow Grove Cemetery.

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Martha Thomas Rothermel

August 10, 1913 — February 1, 2011

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