Martha N. Hartsell, age 78, a longtime resident of Swanton, OH, passed away peacefully Monday morning, September 9, 2013 at Swanton Health Care. She was born in Pilot Oak, KY on April 17, 1935 to the late Barney C. Yates and Tina (Russell) Yates. Martha met the love of her life, Richard E. Hartsell while he was playing minor league baseball in Kentucky. On December 26, 1926 she married Richard and enjoyed 61 years of love. Martha worked several years as a waitress at JC Penny and later as a pricer and price checker for the retail store. Some of her fondest hobbies included shopping, cooking and entertaining family and friends. Martha loved the Lord with all of her heart. She was a member of Swanton Missionary Church for 30 years; where she served as a Sunday school teacher and a member of Swanton Alliance Church for over 20 years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Bill Yates and sisters, Dixie Helmick and Ruell Wiman. Left to cherish her memories are her husband, Richard; sons, Dennis (Mary) Hartsell of Edwardsburg. MI, Rick (Ann) Hartsell of Bloomfield Hills, MI and Rev. Matthew (Barbara) Hartsell of Bluffton, IN; 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
