Martha J. Spalding

Martha J. Spalding, 95, of Shelbyville passed away Monday, January 13, 2020 at Aperion Care of Waldron. She was born December 9, 1924, in Shelby County, the daughter of Brady and Louise (Worland) Meltzer. On October 19, 1946, she married Lawrence Edward Spalding, and he preceded her in death on July 4, 2003. Martha is survived by her children, Marcia St. John and husband, Frank Polka, of Indianapolis, Ronald Spalding and wife, Deloris of Waldron, Nancy Spalding-Ness and husband, Bruce Ness, of Brandon, Vermont, Daniel Spalding and wife, Mona, of Shelbyville, David Spalding and wife, Paula, of Edinburgh, Sherry White and husband, Shawn, of Cleveland, Ohio, Steven Spalding and wife, Michelle, of Greensboro, North Carolina, and Amy Spalding and husband, Ryan Henry, of Charlottesville, Virginia; sister, Elizabeth “Betty” Boilek of Carmel; brother, Philip Meltzer of Blue Ridge; 11 grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to Lawrence, Martha was preceded in death by her parents. Martha was a member of St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church. She graduated in 1943 from Waldron High School, and attended Oldenburg Academy, Indiana University and Marion College. Martha was a teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School for 25 years, retiring in 1978. She was also a member of St. Anne’s Altar Society, Daughters of the American Revolution and The 49er’s Home Economic Club since 1948. Martha was a volunteer at Major Hospital for over 25 years, participated in Volk marches in 26 state parks and enjoyed worldwide traveling. She enjoyed the arts, especially using water colors, oils, acrylics, stained glass and quilting. The family would like to “Thank” special friend and caregiver, Sue Miner and her grandson, Phillip Spalding for all the wonderful care and devotion they provided in her later years. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville, with a Vigil at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 4218 E. Michigan Road, Shelbyville, Indiana. Interment will be at St. Vincent Catholic Cemetery in Shelbyville. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana, 2626 17th St., Columbus, Indiana 47201. Online condolences may be shared with Martha’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.