SIDENBENDER

Martha Jane (Shaffer) Sidenbender, 85, of Rockford passed away on November 6, 2021 at Vancrest Nursing Home in St. Marys.

She was born on June 3, 1936, in Van Wert County, and was the daughter of the late Leo (Pete) and Velma Hisey Shaffer.

On November 13, 1955, she married Jonny Sidenbender (who passed in August 2021). Together, they shared 65 years of memories on this earth and are sharing their 66th anniversary together in heaven.

Martha was a 1954 graduate of Rockford High School. She was a mail carrier, working out of the Rockford and Ohio City offices for over 30 years and belonged to the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. Martha was a member of the Rockford United Methodist Church and was active in the United Methodist Women's activities. Martha was a very dedicated Band Mother, working in the concession stands for many years. She also enjoyed supporting her grandchildren in their many endeavors over the years.

Surviving are four daughters; Karen (Casey) Nuttle of Rockford, Kaye (Kevin) Ross of Rockford, Kelley (Brian) Hager of Kettering, and Karla (John) Butler of Rockford; brothers-in-law Tommy (Barb) Sidenbender of Rockford and Nick DeLong of Antwerp; 12 grandchildren: Jordan (Alison) Ross, Grant (Jasmine) Ross, Eric Bills, Kristin (Chris) McDorman, Andy (Stephanie) Hager, Drew (Brad Hansman) Ross, Craig (Lisa) Bills, Michael (Alaine) Nuttle, Ben (Amanda Amburgey) Hager, Joe (Irene Brooks) Hager, Krista (Tom) Baer, Shaun Butler and 15 great grandchildren.

Also preceding Martha in death were eight brothers and one sister: Glenn (Donna), Robert, Thurman (Virginia), Basil (Wilma), Leland (Pauline), Don (Norma), Charles (Patricia) and Leo Jr (JoAnn) Shaffer and Mary Shaffer DeLong. A private family committal service will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Rockford. A public Celebration of Life gathering for family and friends will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to any of the following: Grand Lake Hospice, Parkway Music Boosters or the Rockford United Methodist Church New Building Fund in Martha's memory.

To share in Martha's online memorial, please visit www.ketchamripley.com.