Verla Jean Martin

October 21, 1925 - July 3, 2019

Verla Jean (Wenger) Martin, of Wakarusa, Indiana, passed peacefully on Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019, surrounded by loved ones at the home of Brenda Kay, her daughter, in Greenville, Ohio, where she has lived for the last two years. She was 93. Verla was born on October 21st, 1925, in Wakarusa, Indiana, to Enos and Goldie (Miller) Wenger. Verla was a member of the Old German Baptist New Conference Church. In 1948, she married Harold Ray Martin and together they had five children, Keith Eugene (Elsie) Martin, Nappanee, Karen Sue (Daryl) Oberholzer, Nappanee, Joyce Renee Martin, Indianapolis, Brenda Kay (David) Crist, Greenville, Ohio, Danette Ray (Larry) Martin, Goshen. Baptized alongside Harold in September of 1951, Verla Jean’s quiet faith was evident throughout her life. Verla Jean devoted her time to family and helping Harold establish Martin’s Custom Butchering in 1967. When not assisting in the butcher shop, Verla Jean dedicated her time to raising their five children, subsequential grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her greatest joy was to gather the family for get togethers that spanned days and resulted in decades of memories. Family members knew to expect calls that began with “I was thinking…” and ended with practical solutions to whatever they were working on. If she knew one of her family members needed help, she showed up, whether it be as small as stopping in to help with laundry, or ensuring their canning days went smoothly. Verla’s love for nature resulted in many moments where young family members were encouraged to “look at the pretty trees,” and to remain present with the family. Her love and attention has impacted each generation and her presence will be greatly missed. Verla is survived by her five children, thirteen grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter and her sister, Edna Faye (Paul) Witmer. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Harold Ray, her parents, Enos and Goldie (Miller) Wenger, her sister, Evelyn, and grandchildren, Arlen Martin and Twyla Damm. Visitation and funeral will both be held at Cornerstone Mennonite Church located at 24546 CR 44, Nappanee, Indiana, 46550. Visitation will be Monday, July 8th, 2019, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. The funeral service will be July 9th, 2019, at 10:00 AM. Officiating ministers will be Shane Oberholzer, grandson to Verla, as well as, home ministers Trent Bowman and Donald Peters. Burial will follow at the Yellow Creek Old German Baptist Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Memorials may be made to State of the Heart Hospice Darke County. Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret-Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com