Dorothy J. Martin

April 11, 1938 - September 8, 2016

Dorothy June Martin, née Koenig, 78, of McAllen, Texas and formerly an Akron, Indiana resident of 60 years, graduated to Heaven September 8, 2016 at 5:30 a.m. with family by her side. She was born April 11, 1938 in Kewanna, Indiana to the late Floyd and Jennie Koenig, née Mills, and lived her childhood in Fulton and Miami Counties. A devoted wife of 62 years, she was married to Ronald "Ron" Martin at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, Macy, Indiana on July 4, 1954. She studied cosmetology and was a trending hairdresser, later a business college graduate, and assisted her husband opening Ron's Garage in 1962. As a successful business woman for 45+ years, she managed private and public entities in Indiana and Texas, then retired in 2003. She is survived by her husband Ron, her son Rick Martin and his wife, Kathleen, of Golden, CO; daughter Krista Riner and her husband, Brian, of Dallas, TX; seven grandchildren, Adam Martin and wife Julie, Alaina Ernest and husband Justin; Brant Riner, EmberLi Pridham and husband David, Savanna Dee and husband Anthony, Caleb Riner and wife Peyton, and Roc Riner; four great grandchildren, Lela Martin, Brooke Pridham, Cedella and Juniper Ernest. She is also survived by four brothers, Larry Koenig, Jack Koenig, Daniel Koenig, and Bruce Koenig; sisters, Bonnie Carroll, Carol Koenig, and Kate Hunt; numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives; dear friends of many she so loved. A midwest family girl to the core, she loved and valued family exceedingly. A good part of family meant spending time with her beloved Ron in family outings, bowling, the races, dancing, helping plant a church in Mexico or just going for a drive and being together. This also included an incredible trek of 1000 miles in 100 days from April to July, 2004, walking from Dallas, Texas to Akron, Indiana to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, encourage people and raise health awareness. Finding heart across America's heartland, they'd the privilege to meet many wonderful locals and community leaders, received awards, write the book "Challenging The Road Ahead" of the event and was able to share their story on television. Dorothy enjoyed being a Girl Scout leader to a group of special Akron teen girls in the '70s, volunteering for many events; various Sunday school classes and at Friends Place Alzheimer's facility. She relished in gardening, bird watching, the beach, nature hikes, knitting, music and competitive sports. She was at many athletic and artistic events her children, grandchildren and friend's children played in, cheering them on from the sidelines. She could oft be seen throughout the years walking her beloved dog, usually a pekingese, and waving with her unforgettable smile to people going by. She especially cherished time with her Heavenly Father and holding bible studies. Many attended and grew from her teaching; older children, adult laymen to seasoned theologians alike. She was a member of Palm Valley Church, Mission, Texas. She was loved by many around the U.S. and other countries, who knew her as a servant leader that tirelessly poured her life and wisdom into others and as a spiritual mother and mentor to many. She is now celebrating in God’s presence as she hears, “Well done, good and faithful daughter.” Dorothy's family would like to especially thank the dedicated and caring staff at Heart Hospital and Paxvilla facilities, as well as many neighbors family and friends. Time and Date of Memorial Services: 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 12, 2016 Place of Services: Olive Branch Church 4581 East 1200 North, Roann, Indiana Place of Burial Following Services: Akron Cemetery, Akron, Indiana Memorial Visitation Hours: 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, Saturday, November 12, 2016 at Olive Branch Church, Roann, Indiana Arrangements are Entrusted to: Hartzler Funeral Home 305 West Rochester Street Akron, Indiana Memorial Contributions to: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to her memory to a charity of the donor’s choice.