Martha Haines

JAMESTOWN — The first words one of Martha's friends claimed at her passing was, "She was an icon". Her great great niece Ashley said, "Aunt Martha was the realist person I ever knew". Opinionated and stubborn in life, Martha was a free spirit until the very end. As a child, she was an expert skeet shooter. In an old 1939 video, which is available on-line, 7-year-old Martha and her dad, can be seen at the local gun club. Martha was a top-ranked professional bowler putting Jamestown on the map when she competed in "The World Invitational" bowling tournament in Chicago. She was a voracious vegetable gardener beginning during the time of World War II, up until she hit 90. She gave all of her veggies to friends and family. Mushroom hunting was a cinch to her. She always knew where to find the biggest and the best. Martha's wish was to die in the home where she had lived her entire life, having been born in an upstairs room, delivered by her father. With the help of several of her devoted friends for over a year, then finally professional help, along with Hospice, her wish came true September 30, 2024. We, her family, cannot fully express the gratitude we have to four of her local friends who took Martha to Dr. and hair appointments, brought and prepared meals, and helped her with everyday chores, even sleeping in her house if needed. They were her "Guardian Angels". Martha was the 4th child of Dr. R.L. Haines and his wife Anna. She was preceded in death by her brother Dr. Russell Haines; her sisters Peg Rowland and Silma Dennis and their spouses; and nephews Ronnie and David Haines. Marhta is survived by her nieces and nephews, Jeff, Wendy, Leslie, Steven, Patty, Paula, Mark, and Ellen; a special nephew by marriage, Steve; and many great, and great great nieces and nephews scattered all over the United States. As per Martha's wishes, she was cremated and will be buried by her parents. There will be no public services. Aunt Martha was a huge animal lover, and if desired, to honor her memory, her family would appreciate donations to: The Humane Society of Greene County, P.O. Box 51, Xenia, Ohio 45385. Powers-Kell Funeral Home, Jamestown, is assisting the family.