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Mary Ellen Martin, born on February 5, 1939, peacefully passed away on December 23, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio, surrounded by family. She was beloved by all who knew her, and her sweet spirit, friendliness, and good cheer will be deeply missed.
Mary Ellen was born in New Matamoras, Ohio, the daughter of Paul R. and Eldene Fulmer Cunningham. and sister to Elizabeth Anne Cunningham and Raymond Irvin Cunningham. Her upbringing instilled in her the values of hard work, service to others, and love of family.
Mary Ellen was known for her kindness, humor, and resilience. An accomplished individual, she was an excellent student and talented in the arts and music. She enjoyed singing in choirs, playing trumpet and piano, painting, ceramics, needlework, and other handicrafts, as well as gardening, spending time in nature, and international travel.
In 1958, Mary Ellen married Norman Lewis Martin, and was a steadfast wife, caring mother, and an accomplished homemaker. Together, the couple raised five wonderful children: James Forrest, Beth Anne, Karen Eldene, Mary Margaret, and John Paul. Mary Ellen was happily devoted to her role as matriarch, creating magical holidays, building family traditions, whipping up delicious home-cooked meals and treats, and caring tirelessly for everyone around her. "Nana/Carta" especially cherished time spent with her 8 grandchildren, Alex, Jackson, Harrison, Nathaniel, Jacob, Sierra, Eden, and Julian, and newborn great-granddaughter Oakley Rose. Mary Ellen was blessed to enjoy the company of her sons- and daughters-in-law, Crystal, Rhonda, Sean, and Terrance, whom she loved as her own.
In her professional life, Mary Ellen was an accomplished businesswoman, managing the administration of two thriving family businesses, Riverside Golf Course of Sardis, Ohio, and her husband Norman's dental practice of New Martinsville, West Virginia. Everyone who worked with her respected her know-how, intelligence, competence, and leadership.
Mary Ellen taught Sunday school for the Sardis United Methodist Church, nurtured Girl Scouts as an inspiring troop leader, and offered wholehearted support as a long-time member of the Sardis Elementary PTA and the River High School Band Boosters, where her children attended school.
Mary Ellen is survived by her loving children, sons- and daughters-in-law, and sister-in-law Beatrice Cunningham; by her grandchildren and great-granddaughter; and by her nieces, nephews, and their children, all of whom she loved greatly and enjoyed spending time with. She was preceded in death by an infant child, niece Amy Cunningham, husband Norman, and her parents and siblings.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, December 28th 2025 at Hadley Funeral Home, 700 Main Street New Matamoras, OH with Dennis Williams officiating. Family and friends are invited to celebrate her life and share cherished memories from 1:00 PM until the time of service with visitation. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the New Matamoras United Methodist Church.
Mary Ellen's impact on her family, friends, and community will never be forgotten. Her warmth, loving heart, and generous spirit will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.