Martha Jayne Fort

Martha Jayne Fort, age 70 of Mansfield, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
Born on April 27, 1955, to the late William "Ted" and Shirley (Christ) Fort in Shelby, Ohio. She graduated from Shelby High School and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Bowling Green State University.
An artist in all aspects of the word, Martha lived her life as a free spirit and was always unapologetically her authentic self. An advocate for social justice, she had no problem standing up for what she felt was right. Martha saw the world through the lens of an artist and had a way of finding beauty in even the simplest of things. Her artwork is cherished in the homes of many throughout the country, on carousel murals around the world, including at the Smithsonian National Zoo, and murals in several libraries. She enjoyed sharing her love of art with her grandchildren, painting and making crafts with them.
A talented singer and musician, Martha played the piano and guitar and spent time singing in the Mansfield Symphony Chorus. She also sang in the choir at the Presbyterian Church in Shelby, where she later served as the choir director for several years. She had a passion for theater, performing in high school plays and later in the role of Auntie Em in the Renaissance Theater's production of The Wizard of Oz.
Martha enjoyed reading and listening to audio books. She was a diehard Cincinnati Reds fan who listened to every single game of the season, regardless of how bad they were. She loved football and cheering on the Cleveland Browns and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Martha felt closest to a higher being when she was in nature. She was at peace being near the ocean with her feet in the sand. A self-proclaimed "birder," she enjoyed listening to and watching birds and could identify almost every one she encountered. She loved her rescue dog, Penny, and enjoyed taking her on daily walks. Martha had a passion for traveling and made her dream of exploring the country in an RV a reality with the help of her longtime partner, Brian.
Martha's greatest joy in life came from being Gramma Mert to her four grandchildren. She loved them immensely and was always there to support them in their activities.
Those who will cherish her memories include her daughters, Elizabeth (Eric Decker) Steele of Oregon, Ohio and Emily (Pat) Robinson of North Olmsted, Ohio; her honorary step-children, Grant Hemmerly and Cara (Josh) Cains; her longtime partner, Brian Hemmerly of Mansfield, Ohio; her grandchildren, Max Kegerize, Graham Robinson, Theo Decker, Adalyn Robinson, and honorary granddaughters, Olivia and Amelia Cains; her siblings, Jeffrey (Staci) Fort of Findlay, Ohio, Melinda (Ed) Bice of Cincinnati, Ohio, Molly Fort of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Megan Morelock of Chicago, Illinois; and many nieces and nephews, whom she loved.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 15 years, Mark Yarman, and her beloved son, Evan Richard Steele.
Friends and family are invited to remember Martha and admire some of her artwork at her final gallery showing at Barkdull Funeral Home in Shelby, Ohio, on Wednesday, November 5, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will follow, starting at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Martha lived a life full of color. Friends and family are encouraged to dress colorfully in her honor.
In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a tree or flower in her memory.
Memorial contributions may be given in her memory to her daughter, Elizabeth Steele, to help cover medical expenses for her husband's cancer treatments.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.
The Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to be serving the Fort family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Martha, please visit our floral store.