Louise Martindale

Mary Louise Frye Martindale, 84, of Seagrove, NC, passed away Friday, March 27, 2026, surrounded by her family, at her residence.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Tommy Kidd officiating. Burial will follow at Union Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Seagrove.

Born in Thomasville, NC, on April 20, 1941, Louise was the daughter of the late Greer Leon Frye and Minnie Virla Butler Frye. Louise found peace in her vegetable garden and was known to "out-pick and out-can" anyone in the neighborhood, a testament to her hard work and skill. Her kitchen was the heart of the home. An exceptional cook, she took pride in preparing everything from scratch, including her signature soups and turkey dressing. The holidays were her favorite time to shine with her traditional cooking. She approached her household with the same dedication she gave her garden, maintaining a meticulous and orderly home that reflected her care for her family. She also made flowers arrangement sprays with homemade full bows and adorned deceased family members’ burial sites and took pride in changing them out with seasons. Louise had a wonderful memory of dates and details whether it was birthdates or deathdates or marriages. Beyond her practical talents, Louise had a lifelong love for singing. Louise would often call her family members celebrating a birthday and sing the “happy birthday” song to them for years.

A natural caretaker, she found her greatest joy in serving others, ensuring that everyone who visited her felt welcomed and nourished. She was known for her generous spirit, famously making sure that no guest ever left her home empty-handed.

Louise began her career at Walker Shoe, where she met her future husband, Windol. Later in life, His words to her were “You was my first wife and you’ll be my last wife... I love you” He was devoted to her in every way and she to him for 62 years. She later retired from Luck's Beans.

In addition to her parents, Louise was preceded in death by her son, Benny Lee Chrisco; daughters, Cathy Crisco Pugh, Tammy Crisco Pugh; sisters, Betty Barker, Doris Lineberry; grandchildren, Kristy Lanier Barringer, Jennifer Louise Pugh, Benny Lee Chrisco, Jr.; and in-laws, Dewey and Daphne Martindale.

Louise is survived her loving husband of 62 years, Windol D. Martindale of the home; daughters, Debra Louise Crisco Stout of Asheboro, Gayla Dawn Martindale (John) of Bennett; son, Keith Windol Martindale of Seagrove; sister, Patricia Frye Walker of Asheboro; sons, Jerry Leon Frye (Ellen ) of Ramseur, John Wesley Frye (Mary) of Apex; grandchildren listed oldest to youngest, Misty Bullard, Jody Pugh (Tammy), Robbie Pugh, Jason Pugh, Justin Pugh, Joshua Martindale (Jenna), Alicia Martindale, Megan Stout; and five great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Ridge Funeral Home.

A special thank you is extended from the family to Gentiva Hospice for their special care provided during this difficult time. Especially to Theresa, Christin, Ashley, Darcy, Charlie, and Chaplain Tommy Kidd.

Memorials may be made to Dementia Society of America, PO Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.