Susan Marie Martin

Susan was born on October 12, 1957, the first of five children of Alva Bohall, Sr. and Phyllis (New) Bohall.

In 1978, she met James "Jim" Francis Martin when he came in to repair the cash register at the gas station where Susan worked. Noting that Jim was taller than the chip rack (and thus would be taller than her own 6'0"), she agreed to go on a date with him despite his questionable taste in t-shirts. The two were married on September 16, 1978. They spent 45 years together, establishing an example of a happy, healthy marriage for anyone who knew them.

Jim and Susan's family grew as they welcomed first a daughter, Elizabeth Ann, and then a son, Matthew James. Susan was a devoted (if perhaps overprotective) mother but she balanced her child-raising with many volunteer activities, including becoming a hospice aide. After both kids had grown, Susan began attending Ivy Tech to train as a registered nurse, graduating in 2004 and working as a nurse for as long as her health permitted.

Susan was an active member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where she found many of her most treasured friends. When she told a pastor about how much she loved belonging to the church, he presented her with her own key to the building. Her faith in Christ was a light that was never under a bushel, but shone to all who knew her with her love and kindness.

Susan was known for her sense of humor, her vast collection of antiques, and her sheer joy in the small things in life. Her love of long road trips with Jim kept them travelling all over the United States, returning frequently to her beloved Smoky Mountains. Despite her battles with chronic health issues, she kept her friends and family thoroughly entertained with her witty and irreverent commentaries on her struggles.

Susan is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Zandr Martin; her son and daughter-in-law, Matt Martin and Sarah Goddard-Martin; her sister Jennifer Bohall of Seadrift, Texas and her brother A.J. Bohall of Bloomington.

Susan was preceded in death by her mother and father, and by two sisters, Julie Renee Chasteen and Lisa Michelle West.

A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held at 12 noon Monday at St. Paul United Methodist Church; 4201 W. Third St.; Bloomington with Rev. Dr. Phil Amerson officiating. Private family burial will follow in Garrison Chapel Cemetery. Friends may visit the family on Sunday (10/15) at the Day & Deremiah-Frye Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Paul UMC's Food Bank (https://secure.myvanco.com/YPQG/campaign/C-11PDN ) or another charity of your choice.

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DayDeremiahFrye.com for the Martin family.