Firelands Obituaries

Walker-Eastman-Heydinger Funeral Home
98 W. Main St.
Norwalk, OH 44857
Phone: 419.663.4513
Fax: 419.663.6809
Cell Phone: 419.663.3504
Email: wehfh@eastmanfuneralhome.com
Website: https://www.eastmanfuneralhome.com/norwalk

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Martha M. Berkley

Martha M. Berkley passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer at her home surrounded by her children, grandchildren and friends on October 31, 2015.

Mrs. Berkley was born March 20, 1921 in Bellefontaine, Ohio the daughter of the late William Herschel and Etta Estella (Nonnie) (Brugler) Ballard.

A 1939 graduate of Norwalk High School, Martha was a consummate reader. Over the years she read and collected a large library of novels. She most enjoyed historical fiction especially about Native Americans. Lately, she had learned to love audiobooks.

Martha loved being with her family and relished the time she was able to spend with them. She especially enjoyed attending her grand and great grandchildren's varied activities. She rarely missed one of their plays, concerts, sporting events or recitals. Her grandchildren knew she was one of their strongest supporters.

Martha treasured animals. She was an avid supporter of animal welfare and the humane society. Her faithful dog, Tasi Anne, was her constant companion, not leaving her side in her final days. Over the years Martha was always surrounded by her various cats and dogs. She passed her love of animals on to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Martha valued family.

She was a talented creative writer, often writing short stories. She also appreciated her own sense of fashion and always made sure that her outfits, shoes and lipstick were coordinated before stepping outside.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband of forty-nine years, William (Bill) J. Berkley In1990, by her daughter Julie A. (Berkley) Haynes and grandson, William J. Berkley. In addition to her parents, daughter and grandson she was preceded in death by her brothers, Marshall Ballard, Max Ballard, David Ballard, Danny Ballard and her sisters, Mrs. Paul (Rachel) Cooper and Mrs. Anthony (Betty) Legando.

Martha is survived by her daughter's and son-in-laws: Bonnie and Gary Pigman, Norwalk, OH; Beverly and Stephan Grega, Berlin Heights, OH; Jeri and Dan Castle, Blackfoot, ID; and son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Kati Berkley, El Paso, TX. Thirteen grandchildren and their spouses also survive her: Andrea and Randy King, Steven and Stephanie Pigman, Dan and Kathy Shiets, Rebecca and Robb Bihun, Mellisse and Philip Morgan, Samantha and Jason Tuttle, Joshua Grega, Kari Garner, Nick and Caise Castle, Garrett Castle, and Scott, Holly and Heather Haynes. She had fifteen great grandchildren, Ian and Analiese King, Erin and Jack Pigman, Heather MacDonald, Jessie Boroi, Nat and Ana Bihun, Philip, Jr. and Alyna Morgan, Brandon and Elise Tuttle, Corbin Grega, Adler Castle and Andrew Garner-Maynard, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Private services for family will be held on Friday, November 6, 2015 at Walker Funeral Home, 98 West Main St. Norwalk, Ohio,
with interment to immediately follow at Riverside Cemetery in Monroeville, OH.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to Stein Hospice, 257 Benedict Ave, Suite B. Norwalk, OH, the Huron County Humane Society, 246 Woodlawn Ave. Norwalk, OH, to Monroeville Library, 34 Monroe St. Monroeville, OH, or any charity of the donor's choosing.

Online condolences may be made by going to www.edwalkerfuneralhome.com.