Martha Simmons

COLUMBIA CITY - Martha Lucille Simmons, 85, of rural Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 4 a.m., on Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.

Born on March 4, 1940, in Linton, Indiana, she was the oldest of five children born to the late Gary and Geneva (Burris) Hayden. Growing up in Coal City, Indiana, she completed Coal City Elementary School and attended high school in Clay City.

On Feb. 22, 1958, she married Wallace E. "Wally" Simmons. They made their first home in Coal City, moving to Columbia City in the early 1960s, where they raised seven children.

In addition to being a homemaker raising the children, Martha worked at the former Blue Bell in Columbia City, then at Nature's Corner in Fort Wayne for a couple of years. After the kids were raised, she worked for her husband's business, Simmons Equipment, as a parts courier, becoming well-known among the heavy equipment parts distributors.

A woman of faith, she was a devout member of Abundant Life Church in Fort Wayne. She regularly read her Bible and set aside time for daily devotions.

As her mobility diminished, she became a resident of Miller's at Oak Pointe, where she enjoyed assembling jigsaw puzzles and keeping her room decorated in seasonal décor.

In her younger years, she enjoyed gardening, both flowers and vegetables. Remembered as a good cook, she made a delicious peanut butter fudge and homemade mashed potatoes and noodles. She liked to feed and watch the birds that would frequent her home.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 67 years, Wally; children, Melany Sandman, of Columbia City, Kathryn (Kent) Turnbow, of Columbia City, Cynthia Vaughn, of Bluffton, Pamela (Kris) Henthorn, of Trafalgar and Lori (Kendall) Bielko, of Noblesville; 13 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; a sister, Phyllis "Short" Wilcox, of Worthington; a daughter-in-law, Edith Simmons; sisters-in-law, Lynnetta Hayden and Sharon Dallahan; and a brother-in-law, Ronald Mitchell.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a son, Martin A. Simmons; a daughter, Tami Maslyk; a grandchild, Laura "Cricket" Ferguson; brothers, Jerry and David Hayden; and a sister, Katherine Mitchell.

The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, at Abundant Life Church, 3301 E. Coliseum Blvd., Fort Wayne, with one hour of visitation before the service.  

Burial will be at Nolt Cemetery, Columbia City.

Memorials in Martha's honor may be made to Abundant Life Church.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com.