Marty Walters, 82, Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 3:48 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 23, 2024, at Woodlawn Hospital.

On Dec. 31, 1941, Margaret Ann Mallock was born in South Whitley to Roscoe and Lois Span Mallock. Growing up, she shared her childhood with three sisters and two brothers as the youngest of six children.

Marty Walters

Marty graduated from Whitko High School with her class in 1959. During her high school years, she was a Wildcat cheerleader.

On June 10, 1960, in South Whitley, Marty married Thomas Carlyle Marrs. Their union produced a trio of handsome sons, Jim, Mike and John. The family tree continued to grow with the additions of two more generations.

Marty and Leslie R. “Frog” Walters were married on April 23, 1982, in the First Christian Church of Rochester. They shared almost 29 years of life’s adventures. Sadly, he passed away on Feb.12, 2011.

A woman of diverse interests, Marty began her professional career with AT&T as a switchboard operator. Many locals will remember Marty assisting her customers at the Hollie’s Hallmark Store. More recently she managed the office of Virga A. Smith, CPA, retiring after 25 years of service in 2013.

With strong faith, Marty was a devoted member of First Baptist Church. She enjoyed adding color to the landscape of her home by planting showy and vibrant flower gardens. Bird watching and keeping them all fed was another joy-filled hobby.

In the early years, Marty made many memories with her sons camping out under the starlit skies. Favorite destinations for vacationing were Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Sanibel Island, Fla. They greatly embraced nature via the sunshine, sand and surf.

More recently Marty and John Moore enjoyed dining out, especially at Amelio’s, taking an evening ride and getting some ice cream or taking a walk at the Prairie Edge Nature Park Trail. They also enjoyed tranquil moments seated near the backyard firepit. Marty dedicated time each day to staying connected with friends near and far as armed with her iPad she accomplished making connections through Facebook and keeping up on breaking news.

Leaving a legacy filled with positivity, perseverance, fortitude and courage, Marty was a family role model who navigated life with an amazing grace and style. Her warm smile was always radiant, and her brown eyes were always twinkling with excitement.

As a proud matriarch, Grandma Marty was proud to oversee four generations. She was the grandchildren’s No. 1 cheerleader, faithfully following their activities: music concerts, academic competition and sporting events. Grandma Marty looked forward to getting together for family celebrations and the holidays making memories.

Left to cherish the memory of Marty are her three sons, James C. Marrs and wife Amy, Carmel, Michael T. Marrs and wife Alysha, Rochester, and John C. Marrs, Scotts, Mich.; the father of her sons, Tom Marrs, Rochester; her companion and best friend, John Moore, and his daughter, Katie Sanchez and husband Chava, Rochester; grandchildren Adele “Adie” and companion Adam Skinner, Ayden Marrs and fiancee Vanessa Cross, Matt Marrs and wife Jessica, Alexa Marrs, Teagan Marrs, Max Marrs, Amelia “Millie” Marrs, Aaron Moore, Olivia Sanchez, Madelyn Sanchez and Lucas Sanchez; four great-grandchildren, Frankie Lou Marrs, Everleigh Mae Marrs, Remi Marrs and Logan Marrs; and a sister, Judy Cordill, Mishawaka.

The family expects a new addition in October: Vada Marrs.

Preceding Marty in death were her parents; husband Frog; granddaughter Taylor Marrs on June 22, 2015; and her siblings, Wade Stoner, Tom Stoner, Bonnie Abel and Janet Ruef. Crossing Rainbow Bridge were her treasured canines, Duke and Mac, the black and white Sheltie and Border Collie special blends.

A celebration of the life of Margaret A. “Marty” Walters will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Dr. Mark Spencer will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, and an hour prior to services on Friday morning. Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.

Her celebration of life services will also be live streamed at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30. People should log on to Facebook and search for JD Good to view the services.

Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Animal Education and Adoption Center, 1540 N. Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975. Expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at www.goodfamilyfh.com.