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L. Rosemary Martin
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L. Martin Obituary
Letha "Rosemary" Martin (nee Burgess), 103, of Lebanon, Indiana, died on Friday, September 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Rosemary was born September 4, 1922, in Boone County, the first daughter of Ora W. and Florence Ruth (Powell) Burgess.
She is survived by her son, Melbourne Keith Martin Jr. of Fishers (Betty); son-in-law, Ronald G. Wells of Zionsville; nieces, Elaine Williams (Jerry) of Thorntown and Teresa Brannon (Dennis) of Lebanon; grandchildren: Darren R. Wells (Jackie) of Clearwater Beach, Florida, Daniel R. Wells (Susan DeCamp) of Indianapolis, Kelly J. Shiplett (Joe) of Greenfield, Rochelle L. Young (Jason) of Martinsville, Michael A. Bray of Indianapolis, Phillip Martin of Fishers, Drew Martin (Erica) of Raleigh, NC.
She also leaves great grandchildren: D. Reese Wells II (Alicia), Connor Wells (Gabriele), KC Wells, Mia Hodson, Molly Hodson, Carissa Forsythe, Grace Gilmore, Jack Martin, Connor Martin; great-great granddaughters, Jordan and Alana Forsythe; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melbourne K. Martin, Sr.; sister, W. Jean Swisher; brother, Lowell W. Burgess; daughter, Connie M. Wells; daughter-in-law, Jeri Jo Martin; and great grandson, Jack DeCamp Wells.
Rosemary was a 1940 graduate of Dover High School. Upon graduation, rather than taking advantage of an opportunity to attend Butler University to study music, she married her high school sweetheart and started a family.
Rosemary and Melbourne were married in the Dover Christian Church on September 22, 1940. Two years later in November 1942, Melbourne volunteered for military service in the Army serving with the 77th Ordnance Division in Africa.
Rosemary and Melbourne welcomed their two children during the war - Melbourne Jr. in 1941 and Connie in 1943.
After the war, Rosemary and Melbourne returned to farming, eventually buying a farm in Hazelrigg, where they raised their two children. They later purchased an interest in a farm implement business that became Martin & Collins of Thorntown.
Rosemary was a highly active member and leader in Eastern Star (Worthy Matron, Grand Adah) and a leader in the Boone County Republican Party during her adult life while also being active in the Dover Christian Church, Ulen Country Club and numerous other social and charitable organizations in and around Boone County.
Upon retirement, Rosemary and Melbourne began wintering in Port Charlotte, Florida, eventually becoming year-round Floridians and enjoying membership in the Port Charlotte Yacht Club in addition to being active in the local chapters of BPO Elks, American Legion, and VFW.
Though Melbourne suffered a debilitating stroke in 1980, which required Rosemary to provide full time care for him, Rosemary ensured they continued to live a full, active social life (while wearing matching outfits).
They returned to Indiana in 2002, at which time they moved into their Crown Pointe residence in Lebanon where she continued to care for Melbourne and support her daughter Connie, who suffered from early-onset dementia and was being cared for at home by her husband Ron.
After Melbourne's death in 2004, Rosemary continued to enjoy (and dominate) bridge and Euchre games, solving daily crossword puzzles, obsessively watching Pacers games and traveling (including to Europe in 2014 at age 91) to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
For those who knew her, Rosemary was a beacon of hope, love, and joy. Her kindness and appreciation resonated with anyone who met her. Rosemary's style and zeal made every interaction an inspiration, making her an ideal role model who made family, friends, and eventually even caregivers strive to follow the course she set for how life might best be embraced. Anyone who knew Rosemary felt blessed to have known her.
Memorial Services are planned for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Dover Christian Church, 955 North State Road 75, in Lebanon, Indiana with Pastor Shawn Tully officiating.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of services. Burial of Ashes will follow in the Dover Cemetery.
Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory have been entrusted with her cremation arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dover Christian Church.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com.
She is survived by her son, Melbourne Keith Martin Jr. of Fishers (Betty); son-in-law, Ronald G. Wells of Zionsville; nieces, Elaine Williams (Jerry) of Thorntown and Teresa Brannon (Dennis) of Lebanon; grandchildren: Darren R. Wells (Jackie) of Clearwater Beach, Florida, Daniel R. Wells (Susan DeCamp) of Indianapolis, Kelly J. Shiplett (Joe) of Greenfield, Rochelle L. Young (Jason) of Martinsville, Michael A. Bray of Indianapolis, Phillip Martin of Fishers, Drew Martin (Erica) of Raleigh, NC.
She also leaves great grandchildren: D. Reese Wells II (Alicia), Connor Wells (Gabriele), KC Wells, Mia Hodson, Molly Hodson, Carissa Forsythe, Grace Gilmore, Jack Martin, Connor Martin; great-great granddaughters, Jordan and Alana Forsythe; and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melbourne K. Martin, Sr.; sister, W. Jean Swisher; brother, Lowell W. Burgess; daughter, Connie M. Wells; daughter-in-law, Jeri Jo Martin; and great grandson, Jack DeCamp Wells.
Rosemary was a 1940 graduate of Dover High School. Upon graduation, rather than taking advantage of an opportunity to attend Butler University to study music, she married her high school sweetheart and started a family.
Rosemary and Melbourne were married in the Dover Christian Church on September 22, 1940. Two years later in November 1942, Melbourne volunteered for military service in the Army serving with the 77th Ordnance Division in Africa.
Rosemary and Melbourne welcomed their two children during the war - Melbourne Jr. in 1941 and Connie in 1943.
After the war, Rosemary and Melbourne returned to farming, eventually buying a farm in Hazelrigg, where they raised their two children. They later purchased an interest in a farm implement business that became Martin & Collins of Thorntown.
Rosemary was a highly active member and leader in Eastern Star (Worthy Matron, Grand Adah) and a leader in the Boone County Republican Party during her adult life while also being active in the Dover Christian Church, Ulen Country Club and numerous other social and charitable organizations in and around Boone County.
Upon retirement, Rosemary and Melbourne began wintering in Port Charlotte, Florida, eventually becoming year-round Floridians and enjoying membership in the Port Charlotte Yacht Club in addition to being active in the local chapters of BPO Elks, American Legion, and VFW.
Though Melbourne suffered a debilitating stroke in 1980, which required Rosemary to provide full time care for him, Rosemary ensured they continued to live a full, active social life (while wearing matching outfits).
They returned to Indiana in 2002, at which time they moved into their Crown Pointe residence in Lebanon where she continued to care for Melbourne and support her daughter Connie, who suffered from early-onset dementia and was being cared for at home by her husband Ron.
After Melbourne's death in 2004, Rosemary continued to enjoy (and dominate) bridge and Euchre games, solving daily crossword puzzles, obsessively watching Pacers games and traveling (including to Europe in 2014 at age 91) to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
For those who knew her, Rosemary was a beacon of hope, love, and joy. Her kindness and appreciation resonated with anyone who met her. Rosemary's style and zeal made every interaction an inspiration, making her an ideal role model who made family, friends, and eventually even caregivers strive to follow the course she set for how life might best be embraced. Anyone who knew Rosemary felt blessed to have known her.
Memorial Services are planned for 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the Dover Christian Church, 955 North State Road 75, in Lebanon, Indiana with Pastor Shawn Tully officiating.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until the time of services. Burial of Ashes will follow in the Dover Cemetery.
Myers Mortuary and Boone County Crematory have been entrusted with her cremation arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Dover Christian Church.
Online condolences: www.MyersMortuary.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Sun Newspapers from Oct. 5 to Oct. 2, 2025.
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