Martha W Mortland

Martha (Marty) Wright Mortland April 2, 1939 – June 4, 2024

Born Martha Jean Wright in Columbus, OH, Marty moved with her family to Mt. Gilead, OH, then Galion, OH and later back to Columbus, OH. She was a 1957 graduate of Linden McKinley High School and 1962 graduate of The Ohio State University, with a B.A. in Education.

She married her life partner Jack Mortland on June 15th, 1963. They just missed celebrating their 61st Anniversary together by 11 days. Together, they gave birth to two wonderful sons Derek Mortland (Bobbi) and Scott Mortland (Lisa). They are also survived by two wonderful grandchildren Jessica Bristle (Andrew) and Christopher Mortland and two wonderful great grand children Claire Bristle and Camryn Bristle.

After college graduation, she became a teacher at Willard High School and then Whetstone High School. Later she became a coach for the Watterson High School Girls Varsity Soccer Team and helped with coaching in her sons’ youth soccer teams and girls’ youth select teams.

During her time at OSU, she played Tennis, Field Hockey, Basketball and Volleyball before Women’s sports became Varsity. She was later awarded a Varsity letter for her participation in these sports. She had a lifelong love of tennis and played locally in leagues around Columbus and was a manager for several years at Olympic Indoor Tennis where she helped coordinate their leagues and membership.

She grew up in the Methodist Faith and became a member of North Broadway United Methodist Church in 1972 with her husband Jack. She served a variety of ministries through the church, including youth, staff parish, assisting with family programs through the YWCA and being part of United Methodist Women and other circles. Her Love knew no bounds and her charity and kindness supported many people outside of the ministries she served.

Marty loved music and played trombone in high school marching band. She and Jack were strong supporters of the Carpe Diem String Quartet and loved the Early Music series at the Pontifical College Josephenium along with other choir and music programs in the Columbus community.

Apart from the family already mentioned, she is survived by her loving Sister, Janice (Dick) Aller and loving Brother, Warren Wright. During her lifetime, she cared lovingly for her Father, Rondol Wright and her Grandmother,  Ida Mansfield Sanders before their passing as well as her siblings who preceded her; Irma Camp (Jerry), Ilma Wright, and Ronnie Wright. She also went above and beyond to help her son Derek adjust to a life of paralysis after a motorcycle accident and with other family members who fell on troubles or hard times.

She earned her Sainthood in this lifetime and will be missed by many, but we expect her spirit to be with us, to live long above and to continue to shine forth great Love. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in her memory to North Broadway United Methodist Church.

A memorial service will be held at North Broadway United Methodist Church on Saturday June, 8th, 2024. Family and friends will be received at 10 AM. The service will be at 11 AM and followed by a gathering with refreshments.