Martha Strawbridge

Martha Hartman Strawbridge passed into eternal bliss in the late evening of May 3, 2017,where she joined her husband Robert, her parents, Sarah Nelly and Albert Hartman, sisters Mary Ellen Kile and Betty Hartman, and daughter- in- law Marilyn Strawbridge.

She is survived by her sons Robert, David (Deb), and Terry (Stephanie). Former daughter- in- law and cherished friend, Beth Strawbridge. She is also survived by grandchildren Kevin Strawbridge (Sarah), Andrew Strawbridge (Kim), Amy Strawbridge, Katy Allen (Zac), Darren Strawbridge and Anne Strawbridge, and Kris Strawbridge, Amie Haag and Steven Haag (Jayda) and great grandchildren, Zoe, Lucy, Theo, Soren, Milo and Griffin.
Martha was born May 27, 1920 in Geneva, Ohio and raised in Evansville, Indiana. She graduated from Evansville Bosse High School. She attended Indiana University and was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority where she met and married the love of her life, Robert Strawbridge.

She not only raised three sons, Robert, David, and Terry, but also modeled her mother as a devoted English and Creative Writing teacher, a gracious hostess and mentor to innumerable students. She finished her distinguished teaching career of 45 years at Sturgis High School in Sturgis, Michigan. Shortly after retiring, she moved to Charlevoix, Michigan. She continued to enjoy working with students and volunteered as a tutor at Charlevoix Elementary School. She was a member of the First Congregational Church, Zonta Club, and supported the Charlevoix Pool effort. She was an avid supporter of the Charlevoix Public Library and enjoyed her weekly bridge games. But most of all, she enjoyed being with her family. They always came first.

Her lifelong curiosity was reflected in her passion for literature, philosophy, and politics. She met weekly with a group of friends for lively discussions. She always looked for the positive in people and events. She will be remembered with abiding love as a shining example of the Greatest Generation.
“Mother Straw, friend to all.”

There will be a service at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 101 State Street in Charlevoix, Michigan at 11:00 am Monday, June 26th, followed by a celebration of Marty’s life in Fellowship Hall until 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to either Hospice of Michigan (www.hom.org) ) or to the First Congregational United Church in Charlevoix in memory of Martha Strawbridge ( Marty).
Please share memories and condolences with the family at Mortensen Funeral Home in Charlevoix, Michigan. (www.winchesterfuneralhome.com).