Martha E. Miley Rajala

In firm belief in the Resurrection, Martha Ellen Rajala entered eternal life the morning of October 14, 2012. Born to the late Dr. George W. and Roseanna Miley on October 12, 1921, Martha spent her childhood in Toledo, Ohio. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Rev. Oliver A. Rajala (1997) and her sister, Kathryn E. Rinderknecht. Martha graduated from DeVilbiss High School in 1939 and from Wittenburg University, Springfield, Ohio, in 1943 with a degree in education. In 1944 she married Oliver and over the years they served in Lutheran parishes throughout Indiana and Ohio. She was a devoted elementary school teacher for many years, teaching in public schools in Plain City, Ohio; Cicero, Indiana; and Miamisburg, Ohio. Martha was a faithful member of St. Jacob Lutheran Church, Miamisburg. Martha was also an accomplished violinist who performed with a professional quartet while she and Oliver lived in Cleveland. In later years, she devoted many hours to her hobby of oil painting. Her artwork continues to be enjoyed by family and friends. She is survived by three children, Joan E. (Steven W.) Purdon of Atlanta, Georgia, Lynn M. (Paul Steven) Schultz of Miamisburg, Ohio and Arne G. (Pamela J.) Rajala of Grand Junction, Colorado; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Brad) Meyers, Matthew (Elizabeth Sklar) Purdon, Paul A. (Jennifer) Schultz, Jarrod (Helen) Purdon, Andrew (Cathryn) Schultz and Amanda (Robert) Greenlee and great-grandchildren, Madison, Hannah, Paul, Jayson, Laura, Bradley, Robert, Steven, Scott, Ella, Emmy, Mia, Sarah and Evelyn. In respect for Martha’s wishes, there will be no visiting hours. Her funeral service will begin 11:30 AM, Friday, October 19, 2012 at St. Jacob Lutheran Church, 213 E. Central Ave., Miamisburg, Ohio.

Memorials in Martha’s memory may be made to St. Jacob Lutheran Church Music Ministries, 213 E. Central Avenue, Miamisburg, Ohio, 45342 or Seedlings Braille Books for Blind Children, www.seedlings.com. Personal condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting Martha’s memorial at www.gebhartschmidtparramore.com.