Martha Mattingly

Martha Jean Ott Mattingly passed away on August 23, 2026, leaving behind a family she loved deeply, countless cherished memories, and a lifetime of laughter, conversation, advice, and service to others.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Fred Mattingly; parents, Fred and Justine Ott; brothers, Charles, Fred, Bob, Ray, Kenny, and Don Ott; sisters-in- law, Doris Ott and Mabel Donnelly; and brother-in-law, Bill Mattingly. She is survived by her children, Tony Mattingly (Angel) and Denise Guelda (Tommy); grandchildren, Thomas Guelda Jr.(Amanda), Joseph Guelda (Rachel), Stephen Guelda (Niki), Sarah Mattingly (Evan), Christopher Mattingly, and Nick Mattingly (Jessica); and great- grandchildren, Daighre Easterling, Firienne Easterling, Luke Guelda, Benjamin Guelda, and Caitlyn Guelda. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law Mary Mattingly, Rosie Ott, and Gay Ott and many extended family and friends.

A longtime member of St. Bernard Catholic Church, Martha's Catholic faith was an important part of her life. She graduated from Presentation Academy and the St. Anthony School of Nursing, working at St. Anthony Hospital before devoting her life to her husband and children. She had a strong desire to help everyone around her live a healthy and happy life, and she freely offered her infinite supply of advice - whether it was requested or not.

Martha loved being surrounded by her family, especially during birthday cookouts and Christmas Eve celebrations. She loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren beyond measure. She was also the driving force behind the Official Ott Outlaw Group, a distinction that will forever hold a special place in family history.

She had a competitive and athletic nature. In her younger days she loved playing tennis, bowling, and square dancing. For nearly four decades, she attended water aerobics at the Southeast YMCA, where she exercised, socialized, and became part of a treasured second family. Martha also enjoyed going to the casino and trying her luck. In recent years, she enjoyed diamond art and painting by number, filling her walls with the beautiful pieces that she made.

Martha loved to talk and truly never met a stranger. A simple trip through the grocery checkout line often ended with her knowing the life story of the person standing beside her. Her warmth, curiosity, and genuine interest in others made people feel known and welcomed wherever she went.

She was never shy about lecturing her family and friends, or even strangers, particularly about living a healthy lifestyle. Her words came from a place of fierce love and concern, even when delivered with her trademark persistence. To be loved by Martha was to be encouraged, advised, protected, and occasionally given a good talking-to.

Like her mother, Martha enjoyed surrounding herself with beautiful things. She delighted in collecting and displaying whatnots, each one adding character and warmth to her home.

Martha will be remembered for her devotion to family, her compassionate heart, her lively conversations, her competitive spirit, and her ability to turn strangers into friends. Her loving advice, family stories, and unmistakable personality will live on in all who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of faith and unconditional love.

Her mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, August 27, 2026, 12pm, at St Bernard Catholic Church, 7500 Tangelo Drive, Louisville, KY 40228 with burial immediately following at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville KY 40218.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 26, 2026, 2 to 8 pm at Arch L Heady at Resthaven Funeral Home, 4400 Bardstown Road Louisville, KY 40218.

To the incredible team at Hospaurs Health and Traditions at Beaumont, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for the immense compassion and dignity you provided during a very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to St Jude. http://www.stjude.org