Martha "Marti" Fleming

Martha "Marti" Fleming (62)-Passed away at her residence unexpectedly in the early morning hours on Monday , May 12. Marti was born in Indianapolis on January 8, 1952 to Eugene and Eloise Bowen. Extremely smart and precocious she skipped the 4th grade and went on to graduate Carmel High in 1969. She matriculated to Indiana University that fall where she met football player Tom Fleming and they married in October, 1971 after a whirlwind of a romance (just 6 weeks of dating). A year later in November 1972 her beautiful daughter Carrie was born, followed by Zach (1974), Katie (1978) and Wil (1982). Motherhood was Marti's most treasured life's work, only superseded by her work as a grandmother. In 1998 Marti became a Grandma for the first time and 5 more times since, with number seven on the way (whom she was blessed to meet last week during an ultrasound). Kobe, Ella, Avery, Bowen Fleming, and Calli and Nell Halaris, her grandchildren, each felt like they were her favorite and they were all right! They will never know how much she loved each of them. Marti was special in that way to everyone who knew her. Marti was full of love, laughter and her belief that love can conquer all things overflowed to countless animals of all breeds and species that knew her and loved her. She pioneered the Owen County Humane Society in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Her house served as wildlife sanctuary and rehabilitation center for many years up until current day. She had a passion for life and for all of god's creatures and a special spot in her heart for the "underdog" whether that be human or animal. Many wildlife organizations benefited from her donations and involvement (some of her favorites were the animal shelters in Monroe and Owen county and WildCare in Monroe County and Rocky Ridge Refuge in Arkansas.) No matter how her body failed her, she let few know the intense physical pain she had. She was the strongest and toughest woman we knew. Her death was unexpected and painful for those left behind. However, we take comfort knowing that her pain is no longer and she is with those that preceded her in death, father and mother Eugene and Eloise Bowen and more furry creatures than can be listed. We are sure they surround you in heaven in God's embrace. She leaves behind her husband of 42 loving years, Thomas. Her four children, along with their husbands, wives and children who miss her more than she could have imagined: Carrie Fleming (of Bloomington), Zachary and Becky Fleming (of Bloomington), Kathryn and James Halaris (of Louisville) and Wilson and Ashley Fleming (of Bloomington) Six grandkids, Kobe, Ella, Avery, Bowen Fleming and Calli and Nell Halaris, three brothers Eugene (Mac) Bowen (of Indianapolis), Roger (Rock) Bowen (of Maine), and Robert (Bob) Bowen (of Patricksburg). As well, we would be remiss to not mention the furry friends that were the center of Marti's world that also ache with her passing: Reggie, Gizmo, Socs, Lou, Boyd, Sparky, Baxter and Albert and Skippy the turtle. "If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, we'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again." Marti's family will receive family and friends to pay honor to her memory, from 4:00PM until 8:00PM Thursday May 15, 2014 at Allen Funeral Home 4155 South Old Highway 37. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.allenfuneralhome.org. Memorial contributions can be made to one of Marti's favorite animal humane organizations: Monroe County Humane Association, 3410 S Walnut St., Bloomington, IN 47401 Owen County Humane Association, 2014 Romona Rd., Spencer, IN 47460 Rocky Ridge Refuge, c/o Janice Wolf, PO Box 105, Midway AR 72651 Wildcare 198 N Hartstrait Rd. Bloomington, IN 47404 812.323.1313 info@wildcareinc.org

Tributes

Martha "Marti" Fleming

January 8, 1952 - May 12, 2014