Martha E Chism

Martha Estlina Chism, 92, of Pendleton, Indiana, formerly of Goodells, was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

She was born June 2, 1934 in Columbus, Ohio and married Robert Chism on October 18, 1952 in Southfield. He died January 19, 1999 after 46 years of marriage.

Martha accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior as a young adult and carried a strong and steadfast faith throughout her life. She was never afraid to share her love for the Lord with those she met, and her faith was a beautiful part of the legacy she leaves behind. Martha was a current member of Solid Rock Baptist Church in Pendleton, Indiana; and formerly a member of Grace Baptist Church in Livonia and Community Baptist Church in Kimball. Wherever Martha lived, she loved attending church and worshiping her Lord. She had a genuine heart for others and found joy in sharing God’s Word through her book ministry.

Martha was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, friend, and woman of faith. Once her children were grown, she found purpose managing the housekeeping department for a local hotel chain. She later took a leap of faith and started her own successful cleaning business. After the passing of her beloved husband, Robert, Martha took over his business, 3 R’s Tackle MFG, a role she truly loved. She took great pride in her work and found fulfillment in continuing what her husband had built.

Above all, Martha treasured her family and friends. She loved spending time with those she loved and could always bring a smile with a good story. She especially enjoyed sharing memories of her childhood growing up on a farm in Canton, Michigan, her high school years with the choral group, singing in church and the holidays and special days spent with family. Martha found joy in the simple things in life-watching Wheel of Fortune, enjoying Werther’s Caramels, and, of course, eating tacos. These little delights, along with her laughter, stories, faith, and love, will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Martha is survived by her children, Paula (David) Hall, Robert Dale (Janet) Chism, and Rodney Chism; her grandchildren, David (Emma) Hall, Robert Chism, Michael (Kaylee) Chism, Rebekah (Jeff) Emond, Timothy (Hannah) Chism; 13 great grandchildren; sister, Bonnie (Michael) DeHart; brother, Bill (Sue) Gay; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her beloved husband, Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Maurice Prince and Evelyn Gay; her brothers, James Gay and John Gay; and her daughter-in-law, Joanna Chism.

Funeral services will take place at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026 in the Marysville Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Aaron Hargis from Solid Rock Baptist Church will officiate.

Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Wales Township.

Arrangements are by Marysville Funeral Home. To send condolences, visit marrysvillefuneralhome.com

Martha leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, love, and joy. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now in the presence of the Lord she loved and faithfully served. Though she will be deeply missed, they rejoice that she is home and that, through her faith in Jesus Christ, this is not goodbye-it is until we meet again. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21