Thelma Lillian Martin

Thelma Lillian Martin, age 81, lifelong resident of Tecumseh, Michigan, passed away at Hospice of Lenawee in Adrian on May 14, 2015. Thelma was born in Toledo, Ohio, to Lilly (Sharlow) and Harold Ashenfelter. She graduated from Tecumseh High School. Thelma married the love of her life, Edward F. Martin, February 4, 1950. The couple settled in the Tecumseh area where they raised four children; Shirley, Steve, Dean and Lori. Thelma’s first role was as a loving, devoted mother, who always put her children first. As they grew older she worked outside the home as a production worker, yet always found time to care for her children. Filled with compassion and an interest in others. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church of Britton. Thelma made friends easily, always welcoming them at her home with coffee and cookies. Holidays and family events were particularly important to her. She loved indoor and outdoor gardening, bingo at the DAV hall, and really loved shopping. Throughout her life, Thelma usually had a companion dog; the latest one is Marty. Thelma underwent open-heart surgery for two valve replacements and quadruple bypass. Sadly, she suffered a stroke during surgery. Throughout the last nine months she has maintained a brave and cheerful smile, despite her pain and struggle. Thelma is survived by her daughters Shirley (Bryan) Van Benschoten and Lori Anne Martin both of Tecumseh; and her son Steve Edward Martin of Halls, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Michael (Kelynn) Martin, and Trevor Martin of Tecumseh; three great-grandchildren, Riley and Carter Martin of Tecumseh; and Hunt Van Benschoten of Cincinnati, Ohio; a sister, Marlene Hood of Tecumseh; and several fond nieces and nephews.Preceding Thelma in death was her husband, Edward F. Martin; a son, L. Dean Martin, an infant daughter, Judy Lee Martin; and her second husband, Charles Dean Schneirla. Funeral Services for Thelma were held on Monday, May 18, 2015, at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes with interment at Raisin Presbyterian Cemetery. Please visit Thelma’s personal webpage at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.