Martha Backstrom

CRIDERSVILLE -- Martha Jo Backstrom, age 89, passed away on February 17, 2026, at 9:40 am, at the Otterbein of Cridersville. Martha was born on May 14, 1936, in Lima, Ohio, to the late William Davis and Mildred (Downing) Davis-Wylie. On April 5, 1959, she married Donald L. Backstrom, who preceded her in death on November 30, 2017.

Martha is survived by her children, Ellen K. (Patrick) McCarthy of Columbus, OH, Roger D. (Teresa) Backstrom of Columbus, OH, and William L. (Beth) Backstrom of Melbourne, FL, 4 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary (Floyd) Roush, Norbert (Marcella) Davis, Dale (Myrna) Davis, and a step-sister, Caroline Weaver.

Martha was a 1954 graduate of Lima Central High School and the Miami Valley School of Nursing, where she earned her Registered Nurse degree. For a short time, she worked for the Lima Visiting Nurses Association until she started her family and focused on raising her children. Martha was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church and the International Sisterhood of PEO. She was also an avid bridge player and belonged to various local bridge clubs.

There will be a funeral service held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:30 am at the Trinity UMC. Officiating the service will be Rev. Jim Nathan. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.

Friends may visit on Saturday, from 9:30 am until the service at 11:30 am at the church. The Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel, is honored to assist the family with funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.