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Merlene Ruth Martin, 74, left this earth on August 13, 2017 in the comfort of her own home, listening to the sweet melodies of her favorite music, gospel.  She was the spouse of 55 years to Teddy D. Martin.

Born in Cabool, MO, she was the daughter of Ancil & Stella Arthur.  She graduated High School from Cabool.  Merlene then went to work at Briar Brother's Shoe Company for several years until the birth of her second born, Carri.  She then went to work for Dale & Florence Cartwright at their dental office and in their home.

She accepted Jesus Christ at a young age at Hamilton Creek Baptist Church.  Her and Ted attended Southside Baptist Church in Mountain Grove until she was unable to attend.  She enjoyed cooking, gardening, Christmas, Halloween, and people watching at Wal-Mart.  She will be remembered by most for her stubborn personality (Ted prefers to call her his Captain), her giggles, her generosity, her tidy house, her ability to pack the best school lunches, her faithfulness to her family, always having cookies to snack on, being gullible, her strength, her ability to feel and have empathy for those around her, but most of all her commitment to the things that mattered most.

She is survived by her spouse Teddy Martin of Mountain Grove, Missouri; brother, Ivan Arthur and wife, Vanita of Cabool, Missouri; children, LaDonna Lezak and husband, Stephen of Elk Creek, Missouri; Carri McBride and husband, Tom of Lebanon, Missouri; Kesha Martin of Springfield, Missouri; her grandchildren, Kayla Sloan and husband, Eric of Houston, Missouri; Kelsey Stogsdill and wife, Lauren of Ozark, Missouri; Kyle Stogsdill of Lebanon, Missouri; Stevie Patterson and husband, Steven of Lebanon, Missouri; Tomie Rowles and husband, Daniel of Ozark, Missouri; Tommy McBride of Lebanon Missouri; Lynsey McBride of Lebanon, Missouri, and Kelea Martin of Springfield, Missouri; her great-grandchildren, Kenzi Sloan & Stryker Sloan; Wyatt Stogsdill and Jacob Patterson.  She was preceded by her parents, Ancil & Stella Arthur; brother, Ervin Arthur and great-granddaughter, Kayden Sloan.