Martha E. Brown

Martha E. Brown, age 95, died May 11, 2025.

Martha was born in Cullman, AL in 1930 to Olin and Vela Ragland. Her family moved to Manchester, TN when she was 3 years old after a tornado destroyed their farm. Her parents moved to Muncie in 1942 so that her father could work for Ball Corporation.

Martha attended Muncie Central and although she never graduated, she was an avid reader and could finish a New York Times crossword puzzle in less than 30 minutes. Martha worked at Delco Remy in Anderson for 33 years, retiring in 1988. She was known for her skills with upholstery, stained glass, and crocheting. She created Barbie doll clothes, beautiful rose quilts, and baby blankets for many years. Over the years Martha donated over 300 handmade blankets to the needy as well as hats/scarfs for soldiers. She was a lover of Genealogy, tracing her Ragland roots back to the settling of Jamestown and volunteered for many years at the Muncie Public Library during book sales. If you grew up on the Southside of Muncie, chances are you had a bowl of her famous chili because she never knew a stranger and everyone was welcome.

Martha was a fierce champion of her grandchildren, 3 generations that she helped raise and loved beyond life. Martha is survived by her daughter Kathy (Vince) Alt of Fort Wayne. Grandchildren Wendy Berg, Chondra (Burke) Locke and Bruce (Hayley) Berg. Great grandchildren Trenton Waters, Anthony (Liz) Locke, Chelsea (Clayton) Combs, Emileigh (Zach Schultz) Locke, Leah (Dravin) Irving, Bethany Locke, Liam Berg, and Ellie Berg. Great Great grandchildren Charlotte Waters, Preston Schultz, Daniel Shannon, Jayce Foster, Amoura Irving, Olivia Schultz, Oliver Schultz, Madeline Schultz, Juliet Combs, Roselyn Locke, Zaya Irving.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and 6 brothers including Cordie (Elsie) Ragland of Muncie. Her sons Charlie and Johnny Brown, Wendell Stephens, and daughter Connie Berg.

The family would like to thank The Woodlands in Muncie and IU Hospice for the excellent care and compassion that was shown to Martha and her family.