Velma Grace (Piotter) Martinus

Velma Grace Martinus of Adrian, Michigan, passed away early Sunday morning at the age of ninety-three.  She was born April 11, 1923, in Deerfield, the youngest daughter of Herman and Hattie (Prielipp) Piotter.  Velma attended Deerfield High School, graduating as valedictorian of the Class of 1940.  She also graduated Lenawee County Normal and taught in country schools and as a substitute elementary teacher in the Lenawee area before settling down to have a family.On July 24, 1943, she married John Martinus in North Blissfield Lutheran Church.  Together they would have three children:  Dennis Martinus of Tecumseh, Nancy Hebb of Adrian, and Peggy (Kate Carter) Martinus of St. Petersburg, Florida.  Velma enjoyed her family very much, sharing time with her grandkids Shelly (Ron) Billman, Craig (Shannon) Martinus, Nicole (Sean) Stephenson, Rick Martinus, and Ryan (Jessica) Martinus.  She also had seven great-grandchildren:  Zachary and Jessie Arnold, Shiann and Carolina Martinus, Wyatt and Eli Martinus, Sadie and Milo Stephenson, Kalli and Kendall Billman. Preceding her in death were her husband, John Martinus, three brothers (Arnold, Ernest and Leland Piotter), three sisters (Helen Fox, Doris Martolock, and Gertrude Kapnick), and daughter-in-law Nina Martinus and son in law, Jerry Hebb. The Lutheran Church was an important part of Velma’s life in both Deerfield and Adrian.  Not only was she a member, but Velma was a leader amongst women’s groups such as the Ladies’ Aid, the Women’s Missionary Federation, and the Women’s Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.  She would attend regional and national conventions and was proud of her active role helping ladies “embrace God’s world [by being] alert, educated, and willing.” One of her favorite hobbies was singing with the Irish Hills Sweet Adeline’s with whom she performed for many years including shows at the Croswell Opera House.  She also enjoyed golfing, swimming, the YMCA and Christian Family Center, her “stories” on TV, going to the show, traveling, the Detroit Tigers, and visiting with friends and family. Velma was very proud of her entire family’s achievements.  She definitely loved those who were around her who loved her greatly in return.A viewing will be held on Friday, April 29, from 6-8 p.m. at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI.  A funeral service will be on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church (1232 W. Maumee) in Adrian.  There will be a half hour viewing before the service and burial at Lenawee Hills Cemetery directly afterwards followed by a luncheon at the church.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church or Promedica Hospice.  www.PurseFuneralHome.com