Carol Frances Martin

Carol was born on May 13th, 1943, in Ravenna, Ohio, to Leo Schneider and Betty Schneider (Francis). On June 26th, 1965, she married David Wigdale Martin in Ravenna, Ohio, and they shared 47 beautiful years together until his passing in 2012.

Carol graduated from Ravenna High School and her passion for caring for others led her to pursue her nursing education at Akron City Hospital Idabelle Firestone School of Nursing, graduating in 1964. Her dedication and thirst for knowledge propelled her to further her studies and earn her Nurse Practitioner's Degree from Case Western Reserve University. As the first Nurse Practitioner in Portage County, Ohio, Carol made significant contributions to her field. She worked alongside Dr. Jon Sally, DO, and Dr. John Jacobs, DO, before their medical practice was acquired by Robinson Memorial Hospital, where she dedicated her career until her retirement at age 65. Carol's compassionate care and dedication to her patients made her a beloved Nurse Practitioner. Her pioneering spirit played a vital role in achieving prescribing rights for Nurse Practitioners in the State of Ohio.

Outside of her professional life, Carol cherished spending time with her family and friends. She had a passion for riding a Harley-Davidson with her husband, traveling, dancing, gardening, raising Monarch butterflies for release, and indulging in mystery and suspense novels. She enjoyed driving her orange Jeep, going out to dinner, watching movies and playing slots with her two children. Carol was also known for her delicious pies, although she openly admitted her dislike for cooking. Her fiercely independent and brave spirit served as an inspiration to many.

Carol was preceded in death by her much loved husband Dave, parents, sister Jean (Mike) Kreyche as well as her brother-in-law Dick Martin. She is survived by her son Steven (Isabel) Martin and daughter Beth (Burt) Keiper. She leaves behind her sister Nancy (Louis) Sorboro and sister-in-law Layne Thorp. Carol adored her two grandchildren, Mitchell and Vivian Keiper. She was a beloved Aunt to Jessica Larson, Carrie Mae Rose, Emma (James Gatherer) Kreyche, Jim (Karla Gluek) Sorboro, Tom (Janine) Sorboro, John (Mindy) Sorboro, Tom (Genna) Martin, and Kristy (Jon) Brooks. Carol also had many great-nieces and great-nephews with whom she enjoyed spending time.

An intimate, private remembrance will be held in Naples with her children and grandchildren, followed by a Celebration of Life this Spring. Details of the Celebration of Life will be announced in the Record Courier at a later date.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Dr. John W. Watford, MD, and Sydnie Sparzak from Hodges Funeral Home for their exceptional care and support.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Kent State University Foundation, 250 S. Lincoln Street, Kent, Ohio, 44240. Please specify the Carol Schneider Martin Nursing Scholarship.

May Carol's memory live on through the lives she touched, and may she rest in eternal peace.