Martha Howard

Martha Jane Howard died on Friday, January 14, 2022, at Stellar Care Center in Woodsfield, Ohio. She was born in Woodsfield April 30, 1933, daughter of the late David and Gladys Bates Highman.

Martha was preceded in death by: husband Stuart Graham, daughter Deborah Graham Shannon, husband Paul Zerger, and husband Jerry Howard.

She is survived by: sister Barbara Highman Sherry of Blufton, South Carolina; daughter V. Ellen Graham Day (Eric) of Pickerington; daughter Letisha Graham Leach (Thomas) of Marietta, Georgia; Grandson Derek Shannon (Bobbi) of Columbus; Natalie Shannon Fisher (John) of Dublin, Ohio; and three great-grandsons, Samuel, Joshua and Elijah Fisher of Dublin.

Martha established the Rosemart clothing store in 1970 which served the residents of Monroe County until 1990. Prior to that she and her husband Stuart Graham purchased and farmed a 90-acre property on Moose Ridge Road for many years.  Her talents included being a prolific seamstress and gardener in addition to caring for the dairy cattle on the farm and raising three daughters.

Around 1980, Martha became an employee at Ormet Corporation, primarily working the “pot room” and later driving the “rod room” truck. She retired after 25 years.

In 2003, Martha found true happiness when she married Jerry Howard. Unfortunately, they only had three years together before Jerry passed away. She remained close to Jerry’s daughter Robin Fields of Columbus.

Martha was deeply committed to the principles of Christianity and co-founded the Woodsfield Christian Church, singing in the choir, ministering to members and nonmembers of the Community, as well as  teaching Sunday school and initiating outreach programs like VBS.

Martha was a profoundly generous person with a special place in her heart for the disadvantaged, particularly the voiceless children and animals in the world.  Memorial donations may be directed to Heifer International at heifer.org, which is dedicated to ending hunger and poverty through gifts of livestock and education.

There will be no visitation.  Interment will be at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by Bauer-Turner Funeral Home 100 S. Paul St. Woodsfield, Ohio.

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