Martha Barrow Lentz

Martha B. (Marti) Lentz, age 93, of Rockford, Ohio passed away on Monday, October 26, 2026 in St. Mary's, Ohio. She was born on March 17, 1933 in Portland, Indiana, the daughter of John Moore Barrow and Iva (Totten) Barrow. Marti graduated from East Carolina University where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and later earned her Master's degree in Elementary Education at Wright State University. She taught almost 33 years, with 22 of those years at Marion Local, where she retired in 1988.

In 1956, she married Dean Mills, the father of her children, who preceded her in death, and in 1989, she married Arthur Lentz, who also preceded her in death. She had lived in Rockford since 2004, previously from Celina. She was a member of the Rockford United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the Mercer County Education Association, and a lifetime member of the Ohio Education Association. After retirement, Marti began her hobbies of wood carving and painting in water color medium. She especially loved painting flowers.

Surviving are two daughters, Donna (Ken) Miller of Willshire, and Dee (Don) Puthoff of St. Mary's; four grandchildren David (Heather) Birkmeyer, Annette (Lyle) Percle, Dean (Kayla) Puthoff, and Scott Puthoff; step grandson, Ben (Lesley) Miller; eight great grandchildren, Austin, Jenna, Jace, Elijah, Arabella, Ariana, Emmaleah, and James; one step great grandson, Hadley; and one great great grandchild, Dawson Wilett. Also surviving is one nephew, Sonny Barrow; and two nieces, Mary Beth and Lorraine. Deceased are her parents, her brother, Edwin Barrow and her sister-in-law, Mary Barrow; her sister Ellen Meadows; and her niece Anna. There are many nieces and nephews from her first marriage Marti still called family.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm Friday October 30, 2026 at Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio with Pastor Bill Halter officiating. Friends may call prior to the funeral service at the funeral home, from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm on Friday.

Memorials in Marti's name may be given to Rockford United Methodist Church, 202 South Franklin Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ketchamripley.com.

Services have been entrusted to Ketcham Ripley Funeral Home, 111 West First Street, Rockford, Ohio 45882.