Martha Fowler

Martha Jane Fowler, of Sherwood, Arkansas, passed away peacefully while in Arkansas Hospice care on Wednesday, February 4, surrounded by her loving family. Born Martha Jane Hall on June 19, 1940, in Fairview, Indiana, to her parents James and Pleana, Martha’s journey through life was marked by adventure, kindness, and devotion to those she loved.

Martha spent her early years in Indiana before leaving in the early 1960s when her pen pal friendship with a soldier blossomed into romance. She married Eddie Justin Fowler, an Air Force serviceman, on November 4, 1961. The couple’s life together was filled with new beginnings in many states and even abroad in England. Their first daughter, Taressa, was born in 1962, and four years later, Diane joined the family while they were living in Rome, NY. Eddie dedicated his career to keeping airplanes safe to fly, while Martha lovingly managed their home and raised their children.

After moving to South Dakota, Martha began working outside the home as a cafeteria worker at a public school, and later, after settling in Arkansas, she joined Northwood Middle School in the Pulaski County Special School District. Martha especially enjoyed serving the sixth graders, saying they still possessed the sweetness of childhood.

Martha enjoyed watching movies, plays and concerts, reading, birdwatching, gardening, working puzzles, and keeping in touch with loved ones far and wide. During their time in England in the late 1970s, Martha and her family embraced the adventure of exploring new places by car, train, and double-decker bus. As a couple, Ed and Martha even went on a day trip to Calias, France, in a hovercraft! They also made treasured trips to London for the international country music festival at Wembley, where Martha was thrilled to hear her favorite country artists perform live.

Eddie and Martha were on a couple’s bowling team together for many years, they bowled at RAF Alconbury in the UK, the US Air Force Installation near Huntingdon, England, and LRAFB near Jacksonville, Arkansas. Eddie retired from the Air Force and Falcon Jet, and Martha left her job in 2008, finally together they embraced retirement. To celebrate their 50th anniversary, they embarked on an unforgettable Alaskan cruise. In her later years, Martha faced dementia with grace and courage, cared for lovingly by Eddie until she entered memory care just five months ago.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, James and Pleana; sister, Nancy Kelsheimer; brother-in-law, Don Kelsheimer; brother, Darrell Hall; son-in-law, Duncan Barnes; niece, Sondra Kelsheimer Hannis; and nephew, James “Jamie” Hall.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Eddie Fowler; daughter, Taressa Barnes, of Aiken, SC; daughter, Diane Fowler Price (Alan), of Sherwood, AR; grandsons, Justin Barnes and Michael Barnes of Aiken, SC; brother, James “Jimmy” Hall of Clinton, IN; niece, Lisa Hall Johnson, of Fairview, IN; nephew, Timothy Kelsheimer, of Belleville, IL; as well as several grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers provided through Seniors Serving Seniors in Sherwood: Karen Robinson, Lisa Hoggatt, Ethel Henry, as well as all other staff members whose compassion and dedication brought comfort and support during a difficult time. Their kindness and attentive care made a meaningful difference for Martha and her loved ones, and the family deeply appreciates every act of support.

A graveside service for family and friends is planned for 1:00 p.m. on February 26, 2026, at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.