Martha R. Geipel

Martha R. Geipel, 89, passed away gracefully on March 10, 2007, with family and friends at her bedside. She had lived at Caretel Inns of Royalton in St. Joseph since June of 2002. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 13, 2007 at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 5506 Ridge Road, Stevensville with Rev. Terri Bentley officiating. Burial will be at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may call on the family beginning at 1:00P.M, Tuesday at the church. Memorial donations may be made in Martha’s name to Stevensville United Methodist Church or Hospice At Home. Those wishing to send a condolence message in the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Martha was born November 23, 1917 in Crossville, TN to Douglas and Etna (Dorton) Burnett. She was preceded in death by her parents. Martha was the last surviving member of 9 siblings. In 1980 she married Edwin Geipel, who preceded her in death in May of 2002. They enjoyed 22 years together, living in Stevensville and wintering in Naples, Florida. They both helped organize many activities at Caribbean Park in Naples, and enjoyed community activities in Stevensville. For many years Martha was a receptionist and dental assistant for Dr. George Atwell. She was a long-time member of Stevensville United Methodist Church. Martha also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, and had belonged to the St. Joseph Art Association and Blossomland Assist. Martha embraced life with enthusiasm and determination. Among her many interests were current events and history, the arts, travel, and oil painting. Above all, she enjoyed being an adoring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved all aspects of nature and the outdoors, and passed this on to her daughter and granddaughters. Martha loved cooking wonderful dinners for her family and friends. Survivors include: her daughter, Rosemary (Richard) Bell of St. Joseph and Naples, FL;, grandchildren Cynthia (Ben) Bell-Pecqueur of La Crescenta, CA and Susan (Tim) Duncan of Bloomington MN; and four great-granddaughters; Christy, Maggie, and Katie Duncan of Bloomington, MN and Emma Pecqueur of La Crescenta, CA. Also surviving are stepdaughters Joyce (Dale) Gano of St. Joseph and Doris (J.R.) Duncan of Winchester, TN, and stepson James (Kathy) Geipel of St. Joseph. Martha also left many wonderful friends at Caretel, including her special friend Harriet, also Jack, and the memory of another special friend and suite-mate, Laura. Also important in her life were all the loving, caring staff members at Caretel, who helped enrich her final years, and the loving team of Hospice caregivers.