Martha Coleman

Martha Ann Coleman, age 79, of Edenville, MI passed away at her home on Sunday, January 2, 2022.

A cremation has taken place and a graveside service will take place at a later date.  Martha will be buried at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI.

Martha was born March 15, 1942, the daughter of J. Allan and Edith (Wells) Oberlin.  She lived her entire childhood at the family farm near Bannister, Michigan. She married Jack Alvin Coleman on August 26, 1961 at the Congregational Christian Church in Eureka, MI.

Jack and Martha started their life together on his grandmother Nellie Holton’s farm near Elsie, MI. In 1963, they bought their first home in Carland, MI where they lived until 1983, when the home was destroyed by a fire.  At that time, they moved to Edenville, MI, where they are currently resided, and are co-owners of Wixom Waters Campground, Inc.

Martha retired from The Dow Chemical Company in Midland, MI in March 1998 after nearly 24 years of service.  She and Jack have since been spending time traveling throughout Michigan and enjoying their hobbies of mushroom hunting, deer, and rabbit hunting, crafts, and genealogy. Their lives revolved almost entirely around each other, their four great kids and spouses, beautiful grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, and the campground.  Martha was elected President of the Campgrounds Management Association in June of 1998; and remained in that position to this day. She has also acted as a member of the Managers Team for the campground. Martha was also appointed to the founding board of the D.R.E.W. Foundation, working with her son (founder of the Foundation), daughter-in-law and many other dedicated individuals who delight in seeing those with physical challenges enjoy the out-of-doors. She stepped down from that board in 2017.

Nobody can forget the 17 7/8" 6 point perfect buck that she shot. It is a family record that has never been beaten!

She is survived by her husband Jack, sons: Kim Coleman of Edenville, MI; Lynn (Arlene) Coleman of Edenville, MI; Jeff (Deb) Coleman of Midland, MI; and daughter Jennifer (Mike) Spannagel of Brant. MI.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, sisters: Carolyn (Lee) Howard of Ellenton, FL and Mary Cassell of Mancelona, MI.  She was predeceased by her parents Allan and Edith (Wells) Oberlin, one sister Linda Austin, her grandparents, mother-in-law Berniece Coleman, father-in-law Jack Coleman and brother-in-law David Cassell.

Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes-Elsie Chapel Elsie, Michigan.