Roberta A. Martin

Roberta A. (Hardgrove) Martin, age 73 of Richville, Ohio, went to her Lord Friday, April 3, 2009, at Aultman Hospital after a courageous battle with heart disease. Roberta was born September 26, 1935, in Akron, Ohio, to the late Robert and Dorothy (Collins) Hardgrove. Her early years were spent in Akron, and she was united in marriage to Kenneth G. Martin on New Year’s Day, 1953. From that time forward, they were an inseparable team as Kenneth prepared for ministry with the United Brethren Church. As his faithful helpmate, they served various Ohio United Methodist churches, more recently being Newcomers Chapel of the United Methodist Church (formerly known as Pigeon Run Church), St. John’s United Church of Christ in Massillon, and lastly Church of the Savior United Methodist in Canton, where Roberta and Kenneth were members. Kenneth was the Protestant Chaplain at Heartland Psychiatric Campus, formerly known as Massillon State Hospital and where Roberta volunteered much of her time during Kenneth’s 30 years as Chaplain. Roberta dedicated her life to helping others, from her early years as the House Mother for a military orphanage, throughout her years as a kindergarten teacher and a volunteer in community outreach, and until her final days in the nursing home where she reached out to fellow residents and staff and set a shining example of grace, courage and perseverance. She is well-known for having the patience of a Saint, challenging herself to learn something new every day, treating everyone with kindness, and being a Scrabble aficionado. Roberta is survived by her beloved husband, Rev. Kenneth Martin, with whom she shared 56 years of marriage. They have three daughters: Sandra (Gary) Hudgins of Virginia, Deborah Martin of Florida, and Jennifer (Nicholas) Spillios of North Canton; four grandchildren, Sean Hudgins, Jessica Martin Geragi, Sabrina and Everly Spillios. She is also survived by her brother, William (Judy) Hardgrove, and her sister Kathryn Popio. A Celebration of Roberta’s Life will be at 2 PM Tuesday, April 7, at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. Dr. William R. Harvey will officiate. Her final resting place will be at the Coventry Cemetery, Manchester Road, in Akron, OH. Friends may call Monday from 6-8 PM at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, make a donation to your church or one of the churches mentioned. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet – Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-3222