Martha Marie Leslie (Speedy), 89, passed peacefully in her sleep on August 22, 2016 at the home of her daughter, Julia Sonafrank, where she had resided for the past seven years.
Martha was born in Mishawaka, IN on September 25, 1926 to Arthur and Julia VanDerHeyden who preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Russel R. Leslie, on Septembers 13, 1947 at St. Bavos Catholic Church in Mishawaka. After his retirement, they spent many year wintering in Florida. He preceded her in death on April 2, 1994. Martha continued spending time in Florida and had many great friends and memoires at Bob Hope Retirement Villa. Together they had six children. Her surviving children include: Thomas (Delia) Leslie, Kirbyville, Julia Sonafrank, Denver, IN. Bruce Leslie, Pine, AZ. Dee (David) Greer, Denver, IN. Martha has 16 grandchildren. Those surving include: Thomas Leslie Jr., April Deal, Darryl (Nikki) Pugh, Kelly Pugh, Craig (Shelly) Pugh, David (Theresa) Ireland, Missy (Jason) Yurechko, Alicia (Derek) James, Jessie Ireland, Rachael (Brandon) Leslie, Brent Leslie, Leslie (Chris) Hendrix, Lisa (Matt) Turnpaugh, Jonathon (Sarah) Carrothers, and Nicholas (Brittany) Carrothers. Martha also was blessed with 28 great-grandchildren: Aiden, Lily, and Josephine Leslie; Skyler and Alexander Deal; Dawson and Trace Pugh; Warren and Lane Russo; Timothy, Jesscia, and Elizabeth Hoffman, and Connor Pugh; Micah, Elly, and Lucy Ireland; Rosie and Andy Yurechko; Luke, Max, and Eli Grist and Jordi James; Baleigh and Evelyn Hendrix; Jocelyn, Lucy, and Quinn Carrothers; Declan Carrothers. In addition to her husband, Russel, she was preceeded in death by her siblings: Maurice, Donald, Roy VanDerHeyden, and Irene Hassenfus. Other family that preceeded her in death include: Joseph Sonafrank, son-n-law, JoAnn Carrotherrs, daughter, Arthur Leslie, son, and Laura Greer, grandaughter.
Martha was an avid crocheter, enjoyed reading, doing word searches, and having an occasional beer. If you have an afghan she crocheted, please bring it to share at the visitation.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Hoover and Dr. James Dugan who took such good care of Martha and always made time to make her feel comfortable. They would also like to thank Dukes Memorial Hospital staff and nurses as well as Premiere Hospice. A special thanks to Angel, Sherry and Aleesha who were a blessing in her final days.
Visitation will be at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 W. 3rd St. Peru, IN on Friday, August 26th from 3-7p.m. Funeral will be held on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Flowers-Leedy with Rev. Mark Spencer officiating.
Love offerings may be made to Premiere Hospice thru Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com