Martha E. Turnwald

OTTOVILLE -- Martha E. Turnwald, 85, of Ottoville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 9: 12 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2016 at St. Rita's Medical Center, Lima.

She was born January 28, 1931 in Ottawa to the late Walter and Clara (Giesken) Doepker.   Clara died when Martha was 1 ½ years old. Walter later married Marie Schmenk, who also preceded her in death.  On July 11, 1953 she married Paul "Duke" Turnwald, who preceded her in death on January 20, 1980.  She was also preceded in death by a very special family who raised her and considered her a daughter and sister:  Sylvester and Veronica (Clara's sister) Meyerhoffer and their children: Marie Meyer, Arlene Meola, Tom Meyerhoffer, Norma Schlagbaum and Betty Ellerbrock; as well as a daughter-in-law, Katie Turnwald, (Chuck's first wife).

She is survived by her children:  Rosie (John) Vorst of Findlay, Carol (Ken) Markward and Joyce (Gary) Byrne, both of Ottoville, Roger (Joann) Turnwald of Carmel, IN, Chuck (Macie) Turnwald of Waterville and Tim (Cherie) Turnwald of Lima; 18 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Martha was a wonderful mother and grandmother.  She was a homemaker and a nurse's aid at Paradise Oaks Care Center, Cloverdale, where she used her kind and compassionate nature to care for others, and comfort them.  She was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville and its Rosary Altar Society.  She was also a member of the C. L. of C.

One of Martha's greatest attributes was the strength and courage to carry on in life despite losing her mother as a child and her husband early in life.  She continued to enjoy life, and teach others around her to live life to its fullest while creating many wonderful memories with her family, friends, and kind and helpful neighbors. She crocheted many beautiful afghans, attended the family's many activities and events, and enjoyed cooking and baking, especially her famous cookies "Jubilee Jumbos."

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Martha and Paul's wedding anniversary at 2 p.m. Monday, July 11, 2016 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Ottoville with the Very Reverend Jerome Schetter officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville.  Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. and again on Monday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at LOVE-HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Jackson Township, where a scripture service will be 8 p.m. Sunday evening.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society and St. Mary's Cemetery, Ottoville.

Condolences may be expressed at www.lovefuneralhome.com.