The chorus in Heaven received another harmonious voice, Martha J. Thieken, early Monday morning, November 12, 2012, when she went to be with her husband and Lord. A lifelong resident of Marion County, Martha was 74.
On August 30, 1938, Martha was born in Green Camp, the middle of five children of the late Dana and Cora (Longnecker) Barber. She attended Green Camp Schools, until her family moved to the city and she graduated from Marion Harding High School in the Class of 1956.
Shortly following high school, Martha married a Korean-veteran, Henry “Herb” Thieken, on June 11, 1960. Together they shared 44 wonderful years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 2004.
For 32 years, Martha worked as the head bookkeeper for Henry Lumber in Marion, until her retirement in 2002. She had also worked as a bookkeeper for National City Bank and People’s Bank in Mount Gilead.
A woman of faith, Martha was an active member of the Trinity Baptist Church, where she was involved with the Bible study group, the Noren Circle, and sang in the choir.
With a love for music, Martha had a most beautiful singing voice, singing many years in the presentation of The Messiah. She also enjoyed playing the piano, and was a member of the Marion Recital Club.
Inheriting a love of reading from everyone in her family, Martha was an avid reader. In her younger days, she also enjoyed needle point and sewing.
Most important of all to Martha were her grandchildren, who were truly “the apples of her eye”. She cherished every moment spent with them.
She will be missed by her two children: Jeffrey G. Thieken, and Jacqueline K. Owings of Marion; two grandchildren: Thomas Henry Thieken Owings and Samuel Lewis Owings; three siblings: Mary Jo Brown of Worthington, Thomas Barber of Lockbourne, and Marjory (Douglas) Denzer of Waldo; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Including her husband and parents, Martha was preceded in death by her brother, George Barber.
Martha’s family will greet friends from Noon – 2 p.m. on Thursday, November 15, 2012, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services honoring her life will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Dr. Richard Farmer officiating. Burial will take place at a later date in Waldo Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Marion Area Humane Society, and they may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Martha’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them online by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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