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In Memory

Martha Lucille Pease (Hepler) - Class Of 1948 VIEW PROFILE

Martha Lucille Pease (Hepler)

Martha (Pease) Hepler

On December 8, 2022, Martha Pease Hepler passed away peacefully with her daughter singing to her by her side, one of her greatest joys in life. She was preceded in death by her parents Neil and Nina Pease, her brother Oliver, her sister Mary Grace and her beloved husband, Robert J. Hepler.

She is survived by her sister Ruth Willett of Lake Havasu, AZ, daughter, Susan Hepler Long (Douglas Long) of Goshen and her son, Robert J. Hepler Jr. (Melissa Hepler) of Shelbyville, Tn. grandchildren: Jennie (Dan) Grunseth, Kristyn (Colby) Taylor, Andrew (Tera) Yoder, Rebekah Monroe, and Philip (Amy) Hepler and 9 great-grandchildren: Brenna, Colin, Morgen, Gavin, Raegan, Kenadi, Ross, Milo, and Archer.

Martha was born March 28, 1930 in Chicago, IL when her father studied at Moody Bible Institute. They later moved to South Bend where she was raised and later graduated from South Bend Central High School where she was active in the band and earned the distinction of Drum Major. She married her high school sweetheart in 1951 they initially settled in South Bend when he studied law at Notre Dame.

She became a dental assistant to Dr. James Naus during their early married years. After Robert was established as an attorney, they moved to Goshen and Martha enjoyed raising her two children and engaging in the Goshen community. The family attended First Presbyterian Church. Martha was a Bible School Teacher, a Deacon and a member of the Choir. She was actively involved in the Tri Kappa Sorority (Active and Associate) and was a founder of the Tri Kappa Pie Pantry at the Elkhart County Fair. Martha contributed to establishing annual scholarships given by Tri Kappa to Goshen High School students. She and Robert were members at Maplecrest Country Club and enjoyed socializing, golf and tennis. Martha enjoyed playing Bridge and helped organize Bridge O Rama.

Martha also devoted some of her time volunteering at Goshen General Hospital. Martha and her husband experienced some amazing adventures traveling the country while he officiated MAC and Big Ten football games, as well as meeting and befriending figures such as Ara Parseghian during those years. Robert's involvement with the Freemasons also took them on journeys around the country and led to a friendship with Red Skelton and his wife. They were avid theatre enthusiasts enjoying musical theatre in South Bend, Chicago, and on Broadway. They loved "morning coffee" watching the birds in their lovely yard on the ravine, hosting numerous "corn roasts", gatherings, and celebrations with family and friends. They were always a team and theirs was a love match made in Heaven. Some of her favorite things included having dinner on Friday nights with her friends at Maplecrest, The Cubs, Notre Dame football, any sport or theatre event her family participated in, her family antiques, her Boehm Bird Collection, poodles, and Olympia Turtles. Martha was a great cook and baker, with family favorites including homemade Mac and Cheese and Fudge.

On Christmas Eve, the family always observed the Danish traditional Ebelskiver meal and the Christmas Eve service at First Presbyterian Church. After Robert passed in 1999, she enjoyed spending winter times with her sister, Ruth "Turbo", in Arizona. If anyone ever needed a "helper", Martha "Hepler" was there; from broken bones to broken hearts she knew just the way to "make it better", bring a meal, send a rose bowl, hold your hand or dry your tears; a wonderful woman.

The visitation before the funeral will be Saturday, December 17, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church, Goshen in Hardie Hall 11:30 to 1:00 with the service at 1:00 in the sanctuary. Pastor Ken Weaver will officiate. Internment will be held at Violett Cemetery immediately following. Memorial gifts may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Goshen or The Post Youth Center, Goshen. Arrangements are being provided by Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home of Goshen. Online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com

12/14/2022 EJS



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