— GOSHEN — Martha K. Stern, 76, went to be with the Lord at 7:34 p.m. Sunday at Wesley Healthcare, Auburn. Martha had struggled with serious health conditions for the past year and had been hospitalized since April. She had been transported from an acute care health facility in Mishawaka on the same day she passed.

Martha was born Feb. 14, 1936 in Adair County, Ky., to John R. and Mary Etta (Swanson) Kimbler.

She married Richard A. Stern Aug. 30, 1958 and he survives.

Also surviving are children, Terri Anne Troyer, Timothy A. Stern and Thad A. (Laura) Stern, all of Goshen, and Tammy (Myron) Miller, Bristol; sister, Jenny Burkett, Somerset, Ky.; grandchildren, Andrew (Elizabeth) Stern, Katie (Sean) Coleman, Jared Miller, Sophie Troyer and Joel Miller.

Preceding her in death are siblings, Nolan, A.G., Arthur, Robert, W.A., James, John Jr., Chester and Alice Jean Kimbler.

Martha graduated from Lindsey Wilson College, Columbia, Ky., in 1957. She also graduated and received her bachelor’s degree from National College of Education, Evanston, Ill., in 1968.

Martha worked as a full-time public school teacher while she completed her bachelor’s degree. Her four young children attended her college graduation. She also completed courses towards a master’s degree in library science. Martha taught art and language arts in middle schools and high schools. She was a teacher in public schools in Illinois and Indiana and at Clinton Christian School in Goshen. While teaching at Clinton Christian School, Martha took charge of the closed school library. With the help of others, she made it into a functioning school library again.

After retiring from teaching, Martha edited articles, books and newsletters (MSD, church, etc. for many years) and created artwork, book covers and text for publications (books, brochures, menus, commercial advertising) for many individuals and businesses. Martha was employed at Goshen College and enjoyed working with the students. She worked as a writer for a Michiana magazine and wrote articles about local events and places. Martha worked at Goshen Public Library and enjoyed the opportunity to interact with patrons and encourage reading.

Martha was a previous member of the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale Board. She also utilized every available opportunity to advertise and write about the Relief Sale. Martha created, compiled, and edited the Quilt Auction Book for the Relief Sale quilt auction for many years. She also designed and created some of the Quilt Auction Book covers. In addition, Martha and her husband, Richard, were the leaders of the funnel cake booth for many years at the Relief Sale.

Martha was a member of Pleasant View Mennonite Church, Goshen. Martha designed, edited, published and wrote for the Pleasant View Mennonite Church monthly newsletter. She continued to work on the newsletter even after her eyesight began to fail.

Martha was a very creative person, a talented artist, and an excellent writer. Martha was a perfectionist as was evident in her work, accomplishments, and everything she created. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed travel and quilting. Martha helped quilt several quilts for Bethany Christian School’s fundraising auctions.

Martha was very active in the care of her grandchildren and involved daily in her children’s lives. She was always there for them and she is greatly missed.

Visitation will take place Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, 311 S. Main St., Goshen, and one hour prior to the 3 p.m. service Saturday at Pleasant View Mennonite Church, Goshen. Pastor Ron Diener will officiate and burial will be in Pleasant View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Timothy Stern, Thad Stern, Andrew Stern, Sean Coleman, Jared Miller, and Joel Miller.

Memorials may be directed to Richard Stern for medical and funeral expenses. Online condolences may be sent at www.rrefh.com.