Martha Alice Bradford

Martha Alice Bradford, age 87, of West Lafayette, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Martha was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 18, 1936 to Frank and Ruth Black. After graduating high school in Chicago, Martha went to Illinois State University where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree. She then went to Butler University where she obtained her Master's Degree in learning disabilities. Martha spent most of her teaching career at Perry Meridian Middle School, where she taught special education.

Martha was a person of great faith. She had been a member of Lakeview Church in Indianapolis, and more recently she was a member of River City Church in Lafayette. Her example of faith and faithfulness was a blessing to her husband and her sons. Martha was an avid reader and traveled extensively in the U.S. and Europe. Martha married the love of her life, Virgil E. Bradford, on August 22, 1959. They were married for 47 years and had 3 sons.

Martha is survived by her sons, Frank (Becki) Bradford of Indianapolis and Rev. Dr. Robert (Tracy) Bradford of West Lafayette; grandchildren, Tim Shook of Rushville, John Bradford, William (Taylor) Bradford and Noah Bradford all of West Lafayette; nieces and nephews, Ruth Mills, Gail Strejc and Dawn Black-Haring (Carl), all of Indianapolis and Cheri (Cliff) Wilson of Ocala, FL, Gary (Marilyn) Mincer of Sarasota Springs, NY, Steve (Linda) Bradford of Covington, KY and Joy (Doug) Deveny of Arizona; and great nieces and nephews, Ruth Ann Mills, Joshua (Molly) Means, Dakota Beckley, Cyrena Beckley, and Taylor Strejc, all of Indianapolis.

Martha was preceded in passing by her husband, Virgil E. Bradford; eldest son, Virgil A. Bradford; parents, Frank and Ruth Black; and siblings, Frank Black Jr. and Ruth Ellis.

A visitation for Martha will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Family Funeral Care, 5791 Rockville Road, Indianapolis, IN 46224. A funeral service will immediately follow at 2:00 PM. Pastor Ron Bontrager of Lakeview Church will be officiating. Martha will be laid to rest at Brownsburg Cemetery.