Martha "Marti" Klinger

Martha “Marti” Melissa Klinger (née Rowland)

April 17, 1957 – October 7, 2025

Marti was born in Athens, Ohio, the fifth of six children to William (Bill) and Mildred (Midge) Rowland. She graduated from Athens High School in 1975.

She leaves behind husband Gary Klinger, three daughters: Erin (Limoli) Stevens (husband Heath, children Josephine and Adaline); Dominique Limoli (husband Graham Miller); and Daniella (Limoli) Siebert (husband Jon, children Stratton and Emmeline). Her children and grandchildren were her heart and soul, and anyone who spent more than five minutes with her would hear about their latest adventure, accomplishment, or aspiration. She shared their stories often, and shamelessly, out of pure pride and love.

Marti’s lifelong bond with animals began as a child when her years of pleading for a pony finally paid off. That moment sparked a passion that never dimmed. Over the decades, she showed quarter horses, founded and coached the Ohio University Equestrian Team, and trained both horses and riders with rare patience and fierce determination. Her daughters grew up in the barn, learning the lessons that came with it: grit, discipline, and devotion.

Later came another great passion: border collies. After falling in love with her first pup, Marti bred and raised generations of dogs known not only for their intelligence and loyalty, but for the heart and spirit that mirrored her own. 

Never one to slow down, Marti later transformed part of her farm into a thriving flower business, Lavender for Luck. What began as a few lavender plants turned into fields of purple and rows of blooms she cultivated by hand. She made her own products, transformed her basement into a storefront, and found peace in creating such a tangible symbol of joy and healing.

When Marti was diagnosed with breast cancer, she faced it with trademark humor and extraordinary resolve—continuing to ride, work, and write through countless treatments. She later returned to college writing classes, rediscovered her voice, and eventually published A Farewell to Breasts: Essays for Thrivers and the People That Love Them—the book she wished she’d had when she was first diagnosed.

Marti’s life was defined by love, courage, and faith. She found comfort and guidance in Hebrews 11:1: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." She built a life that was never dull, always vibrant, and entirely her own. She touched the lives of so many and inspired others to love deeply, never give up, and grow lavender by their garden gate.

She will be deeply missed and joyfully remembered, preferably with ocean waves in your ear, a dog at your feet, and a story worth telling in your heart.

Viewing will be held at Jagers and Sons Funeral Home on Sunday, October 12 from 6–8 pm. Services will be held at Christ Community Wesleyan Church on Monday, October 13 at 10:30 am, burial will be in Athens Memory Gardens, followed by a reception at Eclipse Company Store from 1–3pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to The Ohio Pink Ribbon Fund (www.ohiopinkribbon.org) in Marti’s memory. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.