11/05/2018

Obituary of Martha J. Baltzell

Grandmother of Scott Baltzell, OFDA District 2 President and Funeral Director at Wappner Funeral Homes

Martha J. Baltzell, 86, a lifelong resident of Rockford went home to her heavenly home on Saturday, November 3, 2018, at the Laurels of Shane Hill in Rockford, surrounded by her loving family.  Martha was born April 11, 1932 in Rockford, Ohio, the daughter of Bessie (Morrison) Robbins Kinder and Domer Robbins.  On July 10, 1950, she married Fred Baltzell who preceded her in death.  Martha was very active in the community of Rockford and surrounding areas.  She was a member of the Eastern Star for many years, and was very active in the Parkway Band Boosters program for her 3 daughters who were in band.  Martha previously attended The Rockford Presbyterian Church, where she was a 50 year member.  She was very active in their Women’s Association until the church closed.  She cooked many turkey's and dressed for the church’s Turkey Dinner, which was known far and wide, and also had served as Deaconess and Trustee for the church.   After the church closed its doors, she became a member of the New Horizons Church in Rockford.  Martha was active in the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and was given the coveted honor of Citizen of the Year in 2004.  Martha had a passion for dogs, and owned Shelties most recently.

Martha and her late husband, Fred Baltzell, had owned and operated the Rockford Press from 1952-1983.  She also owned Martha’s Nutritional Center and Reflexology.  In 1989, she opened Martha’s Flowers; she continued to run Rockford Monuments after Fred passed away, and had these businesses until her retirement in July of 2013. 

Surviving are 4 children:  Connie (Denny) Hamrick, Laura (Mark) Burger, Todd (Karla) Baltzell, and Amy (Tom) Lyons, all of Rockford, Ohio.  Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.  Deceased is her oldest child, Larry Baltzell.  His wife, Sheila (Wood) Baltzell Linn and her husband Mark survive in Celina, Ohio.

Services will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. at New Horizons Church in Rockford, with Pastor Dave Souers officiating.  Friends may call prior to the service on Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Memorials may be directed to the New Horizons Church or to State of the Heart Hospice, Coldwater, Ohio.  Condolences may be expressed at ketchamripley.com