Mary "Lee" Martin

Mary "Lee" Martin, 66, of Middletown, passed away on August 2, 2026. She was born on August 25, 1959 in El Paso, TX, to the late James and Bettye Jo (Childress) Harris.

A graduate of Eastern Hancock in 1977, Lee went on to work in several different jobs before finding her calling as a phlebotomist at a doctor’s office, where her gentle spirit and skilled hands brought comfort to many patients over the years.

Lee’s love for the natural world was evident in every corner of her life. As a master gardener, she nurtured gardens that burst with color and life. Those who knew Lee will recall her as both soft and a source of strength—a rock when needed, a light with her kind words, and someone not afraid to speak her mind. Her humor was sharp and infectious, her warmth unmistakable.

Lee’s approach to life was honest and heartfelt. She was a fighter, strong and kind, never shy about dishing out the tough love if the situation called for it. Still, she believed deeply in the importance of loving others, even when it wasn’t always easy. Her laughter could brighten the darkest day, and her smile made any harsh words easier to take—a testament to her unique and lovable spirit.

“Lee was so many things to so many people,” her daughter writes. “She was a wife, mother, sister, daughter, friend... She was soft, but she could be a rock. She was a light, a kind word, a cuss word, a smoker, a toker, a beautiful soul. My God was she funny, prickly and sweet. A smile that made you forget she just busted your chops. Strength could've been her middle name as she was tested multiple times in this life, as we all are. If she taught us nothing else it was to love. You don't have to like them, just love them. Love them if only because they are a friend of your friend. Think. Think again. Then speak. She made every problem seem manageable, but some problems got her sharp tongue. You knew it when you screwed up.”

Lee leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, humor, and love. Her presence will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Paul Martin; children, Trina (Rodney) Shanahan, Amie Rogers (Josh Bailey), Amos Martin (Amber Wilson), and Mandy Peer (Leon Bryant); grandchildren, Jordan, Jacob, Abbi, Taylor, Jeremiah Jr, Hunter, Kristin, Alisha, Jaden, Kate, Ethan, D’Angelo, Devon, and Mya; great grandchildren, Emersen, Easton, Alexander, Aaron, Stetson, Ella, Ava, Adrian, Amerio, Robert, Rocky, Braelyn, and Chloe; siblings, Kevin (Julie) Harris and Cindy (Gary) Lawson; nephew, Kyle (Kayla) Harris, niece, Kristy (Tod) Karpinski; several cousins and extended family in Paris, TX; and special friends, Sherry Bixler, Amanda Sutliff, Lora Morales, and all her Ya-Ya sisters.

In addition to her parents, Lee was preceded in death by her grandson, Aaron Paul Shanahan; and several friends and fur babies.

A celebration of life will be held on August 16, 2026, at the Middletown American Legion at 1:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Daisys Dane Sanctuary at 2010 Pecan Dr. Pleasant Hill, MI 64080 or online here. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ballard and Sons Funeral Home in Middletown. You may express condolences or share a memory of Lee at www.ballardandsons.com.