Martha Linville, 85, Bellefontaine, passed away to the Lord’s heavenly realm on May 15, 2025, at Ayden Health Care Belle Springs Care Center.
She was born at home on August 21, 1939 in Mechanicsburg, OH, to the late Betty Jane Hankel and Earl Eugene Nichols.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 21 years, Lee Roy Linville; brother Earl
“Shorty” Eugene Nichols Jr; and sister Barbara Nichols Wright. Martha was also preceded in death by her former spouse Jerry Stegal of Indian Lake, OH.
She is survived by sister-in-law Linda Nichols of Carrollton, KY; stepson, Gregory (Linda) Linville of Pinehurst, NC; stepson David Linville of North Myrtle Beach, SC; stepdaughter Bonnie Linville of Bellefontaine; stepson Alva “Jerry” (Margarita) Stegal of Phoenix, AZ; stepdaughter Connie (Charles Andrews) Sooter of Bellefontaine; stepson Wade (Zoe Sampson) Stegal of Belle Center, OH; fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Although not technically related, Martha treasured being called “Nana Marty” and being adopted into the family by her child care charge, Cardyn Rawlins of Bellefontaine.
Martha’s childhood fondest memories were riding horses, playing kids games, and caring for her pet pig named Petunia. Martha and her sister Barbara shared a bike and her brother rode a tricycle. She noted that one school year her family moved six times following their father’s work.
Martha worked as a short order cook, which she enjoyed but definitely not baking. She also worked as a waitress and grocery store inventory control. She provided loving child care.
She enjoyed hunting for mushrooms and was a big fan of John Wayne western movies.
Martha especially loved The Ohio State University Buckeye Football and Basketball teams. She was also a long-suffering Cincinnati Bengals fan.
Martha loved family and social gatherings because she loved people. Her grin and giggle will surely be missed by those who love her or had the pleasure to meet her
Memorial services will be conducted at noon Thursday, May 29, at Highland Memorial Cemetery Gazebo 5591 US Route 68 S. West Liberty, Ohio 43357.
Arrangements are in the care of Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home & Crematory.
