Born October 11, 1925, she was the daughter of Doris (Kirk) Peterson and Charles Peterson. She grew up on the campus of the Ohio Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphans' Home in Xenia, Ohio where her father was maintenance supervisor and grounds landscaper. She went on to attend Ohio State University but left before graduating to begin raising a family. She was a homemaker who loved to sew as a young mother, passing on her skill to her three daughters.
Martha was a talented artist who loved oil painting and drawing with charcoal. She designed her homes in Winter Park, Florida and Raleigh, NC, working closely with her architects on every detail.
She was a lover of classic movies from the 50s and before. She especially liked watching and collecting memorabilia of Shirley Temple who was a contemporary of hers.
She was much loved by all her children and their families and she cared deeply for each of them. They will miss her sweetness and easy laugh.
She is survived by her three daughters, Joy Bridges of Kernersville, NC, Jane Rhodes of Walkertown, NC, Diane Herran (husband Mike) of Charlotte, NC; son, Roger Rhodes (wife Donna) of Barnesville, MD; as well as grandchildren, Bryan, Derek, Todd, Laura, Jenna; and seven great-grandchildren. Martha was preceded in death by her brothers, Harold and Richard; her grandson, Jonathan; and great-grandson, Grant.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226.
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