Lehman, Martha Basinger (1875-1952)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1952 Dec 4 p. 10

Birth date: 1875 Aug 24

text of obituary:

MRS. MARTHA LEHMAN

Martha, daughter of Adam and Anna (Garber) Basinger, was born near Fortuna, Maniteau county, Mo. on Aug. 24, 1875. She passed away at her home in West Liberty, Ohio on Sept. 27, 1952, age 77 years, one month and three days.

She was united in marriage to Joel A. Lehman on Nov. 3, 1895, at El Reno, Okla. They shared life’s journey together one month less than 57 years.

This home was blessed with 11 children. Surviving are her husband, five sons and six daughters: Wilma of Rittman, Ohio, Sudie, (Mrs. Edwin C. Fisher) of Maple Heights, Ohio, Melvin of Bellfontaine, Ohio, Bessie of West Liberty, John A. of Boswell, Pa., Daniel of West Liberty, Caroline (Mrs. D. W. Allen) of Harrisonburg, Va., Helen (Mrs. Leonard Hartzler) of West Liberty, Pauline (Mrs. Vernon Miller) of Fentres, Va., Wilfred and Kenneth of West Liberty. She is also survived by 31 grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, one brother, Chris Basinger of California, Mo., and four sisters, Mrs. Carrie Baumgartner of Versailles, Mo., Clara, Mrs. Eli Bucher, Linda, Mrs. John Bucher and Fannie Basinger, all of California, Mo.

On April 12, 1895, she united with the Bethel Mennonite church near Versailles, Mo. She was also a member of the Geary, Okla. and Aurora, Ohio Mennonite churches while living in those communities. In 1928 she transferred her membership to the Bethel congregation at West Liberty, Ohio, where she remained a faithful member until death.

During the last months of her life she often spoke of soon going Home and of being ready to meet her Lord. She was a hopeful Christian, a loving companion and a devoted mother.

Services were held at her home in West Liberty and at the Bethel church in charge of B. Frank Byler, assisted by Nelson Kanagy. Burial was made in the West Liberty cemetery.