Martha R. Bendel

Martha R. Bendel, 94, a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, Born on January 16, 1931, to Claren P. and Gladys M. Squires, she graduated from Central High School, where she was a member of the band. It was there that she met her future husband, Donald. They were married for 72 loving and happy years before his passing in 2024. She was a kind, generous, patient, and loving Christian wife, mother, grandmother, GG and friend. She was a wonderful cook and made Sunday night dinners with the family, a cherished tradition. Everyone who came into her home was welcomed and treated as part of her family. She enjoyed bible study, volunteering, reading, baking and playing cards with friends and family. Above all, she loved God and her family. She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and previously Trinity English and Epiphany Lutheran Churches. She retired from Lincoln National Life after 28 years of service. Surviving is her daughter, Donna (Harry) Shook: son-in-law, Terry (Dana) Weibel: grandchildren, Mark (Pam) Novak, Megan (Doug) Curtis, Dirk (Karen) Novak, and Michael (Luchi) Wakeland: great-grandchildren, McKenna, Madison, Chase, Kaleb, Jordan, and Abby: brother-in-law: Ronald Ghormley and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Weibel, and brothers Virgil, Claren Jr., Kenneth Squires, and sisters, Virginia Peek and Marilyn Savio. Funeral service is at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 31, 2025, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 917 W. Jefferson Blvd., with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday, March 30, at FairHaven Funeral Home, 6557 N. Clinton Street. Burial following service at Lindenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, or Emmanuel Lutheran Church Youth Group.