Dorothy Leone (Mabery) Martus

Dorothy Leone Mabery Martus passed away peacefully at the age of 99, on March 10, 2023, in Marlette, Michigan.

Dorothy’s life was all about her family, her community, and her Catholic faith. She set an example of giving to everyone. An active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Burnside Township, she was the organist for many years. She enjoyed and helped with many church activities including kite flying contests, luncheons, and bazaars sponsored by the Altar Society.

Third generation farmers, she and Bob operated the Martus Farm with Edwin and Geraldine Martus that was established in 1879. The dairy farm was modernized when a state-of-the-art automatic milking system was installed.  In addition to Holstein cows, they also raised beef cattle and crops.

Dorothy was devoted to her family of 10 children, 24 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild.  Each of them looked forward to receiving a birthday card from Grandma and a special Christmas ornament. She loved attending games, dance recitals, and programs that involved her family. Her children’s education was a priority for her, but she was also a loyal fan of the Brown City Green Devils basketball teams.

Guests to Dorothy’s home could count on enjoying delicious pies, cookies, and homemade bread.  Her kitchen was the heart of her home.

Bob and Dorothy started and hosted the Annual Arthur and Elizabeth Martus Weekend Reunion at the Martus Farm for many years. With dozens of Martus relatives coming from all over for the weekend, it was a huge undertaking but was done with pride and joy.

In addition to serving on election boards for Burnside Township, Dorothy was active in the Burnside Farm Bureau and was a 4-H leader for the Burnside Busy Bees.  She served in various capacities for Lapeer County 4-H. She especially enjoyed 4-H Fair Week. The family hosted exchange students from around the world including India, Germany, Sweden, Mexico, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Poland. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, was a proud Rosie the Riveter, and was able to participate in an “Honor Flight for Rosies” to Washington, D.C. in 2016.

Dorothy was born on October 14, 1923 in Deerfield Township, North Branch, Michigan. Her parents were Roy and Frankie (Folsom) Mabery. She graduated from North Branch High School in 1941. She married Robert Martus on April 15, 1944 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Burnside Township.

Dorothy is survived by her children: Elizabeth Nordin of Holt, Irene (Wayne) LaPointe of Norton Shores, Raymond (Kathy) Martus of North Branch, Mary Ellen (Ken) Miller of Marlette, Louis (Terry) Martus of Brown City, Denise (Steve) Frost of Saline, Warren (Diane) Martus of Wayland, Wayne (Kelly) Martus of North Branch, and Daniel Martus of Albin, Wyoming. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, son Alvin, son-in-law Clifford Nordin, son-in-law Lance Root, grandsons Alexander Nordin and Ryan Martus, her sisters Sarah Burkitt and Lois Margrif, and brother Archie Mabery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the United Hospice Service of Marlette Regional Hospital, St. Mary’s Burnside Cemetery or the charity of your choice.

The family will be present for visitation on Friday, March 17, 2023, 2:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home with the rosary recited at 5:00 P.M. On Saturday, March 18, 2023, visitation will be 10:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. at St. Mary’s Burnside Catholic Church, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 A.M. Rev. Sama Muma will be officiating. Dorothy will be laid to rest next to her husband at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

You may share an online condolence or memories of Dorothy to the family at www.blackburnchapel.com

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

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