Martha J. Heilman

Martha Jean Gordon Heilman passed with peace and grace on Wednesday, March 22 from complications of pneumonia. She was born in 1929 to the late Charles J. and Ollie E. (Parrish) Gordon in Raleigh, Indiana. Lovingly known as “Marty”, she lived a life full of love and pride in her family.

The youngest of seven children, Marty spent her childhood in Raleigh and attended the Raleigh School System until she was married in 1946. She worked in personnel at Henry County Hospital from 1966 to 1988 and she was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church for many years.

In addition to her parents, Marty was preceded in death by her siblings; Wilma, Edward, Maurice, Emory, and Joan, as well as a son in law, Steve Mix. Married and widowed three times, she was also preceded in death: Clyde Sadler, who died in 1958; Charles Stanley, who died in 1977; and Dr. William Heilman; who died in 2013.

A woman of strength and courage, Marty persevered throughout hardships and would say in conversations around the kitchen table, “We just have to keep on going and keep on loving.” And she did just that. Her whole life story is full of endless compassionate gestures, wholehearted hugs, and tugs on her metaphorical bootstraps. She was an inspiration and a lesson in fostering a kind and resilient spirit.

Those who, in Marty’s words, just have to “keep on going and keep on loving” include numerous family members: her sister, Phyllis Becktell (husband Bub); her children, Clydia Jayne Mix and Charles “Chip” Sadler (partner Kelly Bol), Jeanne Baumback (husband Rex), Mary Lou Chappell (husband Steve), Susan Landis (husband Mike); her many beloved grandchildren; Dr. Erin Sadler, Adam R. Sadler, Richard Neal (partner Robin), Jack Mix (wife Jamie), Curtis Neal, Lisa Loughlin (husband Aaron), Ryan Hesler (wife Jessica) , Jason Charnov, Lauren Chappell (partner Gabriel), and Patrick Chappell (wife Lauren), Emily McFadden, Elizabeth Harris, and Rachel Landis. She was also proud of her great-grandchildren; Jagger, Jenson, Ashlee, Brylee, Mia, Lillie, Isabella, Julian, Brooks, Kaylie, Aricka, Rily, and Von. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Marty will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 20th, 2017 at First United Methodist Church in New Castle with Pastor Tom McGilliard officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Burial will be in Miller Cemetery in Middletown at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Condolences and memories of Marty may be shared at www.hinsey-brown.com .