Vonalee "Vonnie" G. (Finke) Martin, 70, St. Marys, was called home while surrounded by loved ones in the home of her daughter at 11:45 p.m. Oct. 9.

It was the end of a rapid and progressive battle of cancer but a new beginning of pain-free eternal happiness, where she shall wait for her loved ones.

She was born March 14, 1943, to Clifford and Rosabelle Finke. Her father died in 1983. Her mother lives in St. Marys.

She was the mother of Paige C. (Rick) Canfield and Paul S. Martin. Her two children were more than a blessing for her and were loved so deeply. She was the grandmother of two very special grandsons that fullfilled her life in so many ways, Tyler L. Hartsock and Noah M. Hartsock, and three step-grandsons, Ryan, John and Peter Canfield. Her former husband is Rodney Martin of Avon Park, Florida.

She also has three siblinags, Terry (Joyce) Finke, Celina, Jeanne (Chuck) McMullen, Beavercreek, and Eve (Ron) Compton, St. Marys. Her former brothers-in-law are Joe Martin and Gerald Martin.

The love that she had for her kids, her son-in-law, grandkids and siblings was very special and tender in so many ways. Her life was her family, friends and her love for the Lord.

She was also the aunt of several nieces and nephews, who meant the world to her as well. She was survived by many close friends that she adored and loved sharing time with. She also was survived by her Boston terrier, Otis, whom she loved very much.

She was preceded in death by a nephew, Jason Martin, her beloved pet, Rhett, and many close friends.

She was a 1961 graduate of Memorial High School, St. Marys, where she played in the band. She retired from Huffy Bicycle Company in Celina in 1995 after working on the assembly line. While at Huffy, she gained many good friendships with many people she worked with.

She was a very active member of the St. Paul's United Church, St. Marys, where she was a lifelong member. She helped prepare the funeral dinners and dinners for the breaking bread committee. She was a member of the Women's Guild and helped sew lap robes. She had been a past deacon and Sunday school teacher. Her love and faith for the Lord were very strong and close to her heart. She will be missed by many who have truly loved her.

One of the most rewarding ventures she was involved with was the historical dig behind the bowling alley in St. Marys. This is where she and several others found many artifacts that were collected and stored at the St. Marys Historical Society Museum. She was very knowledgeable about the history of St. Marys and enjoyed sharing her personal and learned knowledge, along with her collection of artifacts, with the youngsters at West Elementary each spring.

For many years she was an active member of the Tri-Squares Dance Club. She enjoyed the many friendships she acquired in her other interests such as OCCL, church circle, many different card clubs, Red Hat club at Avon Park, Fla., bowling league and being a Scout leader years ago. The friendships gained from many of her winters in Florida were very much cherished and loved.

She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, Swedish weaving, playing cards, watching movies with friends, day trips, reading and gardening. Her most rewarding time was being a mother and grandmother.

Services will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Miller Funeral Home, West Chapel, St. Marys

Calling is 2-4 and 6-8 Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may go to St. Paul's United Church of Christ Women's Guild scholarship fund or Grand Lake Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed via: www. millerfuneralhomes.net.