Martha Jean (Kavanaugh) DeGroote, 80, of Evansville, made a peaceful transition into her heavenly home on Tuesday, March 10, 2009, at Franklin United Methodist Community in Franklin, Ind., with her family at her bedside.

Martha graduated from Bosse High School in 1946 and began her career as a special education teacher at Howard Roosa Elementary School. She was the first director of the nursery school at the Methodist Temple for many years, Ark Crisis Prevention Nursery, and Enterprise Zone Day Care Center.

She was a member of the Methodist Temple for 42 years, sang in the Gospel choir, was active in church activities and was an avid gardener.

Martha's family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Advanced Special Care Unit of Franklin United Methodist Community and Vista Care Hospice for their exemplary and loving care of their beloved mother.

Martha was preceded in death by her soul mate of 59 years, James A. DeGroote (2006) and her precious daughter, Carole LeMond (1996).

She is survived by her daughter, Cathy Combs of Indianapolis; son, David DeGroote and wife, Tami of Bloomington, IN; daughter, Jami Richardson and husband, Mike of Evansville; eight grandchildren, Tami Tooley and husband, Mike; Ryan Combs and fiancé, Erin; Adam Combs and fiancé, Sylvia; Lauren Stewart and husband, Reid; Katherine Rowe and husband, Blake; Zach Wellman; Leigh Richardson; and Megan Richardson; four great grandchildren, Shelbi Tooley, Noah Tooley, Charlie Tooley and Brayden Stewart; sister, Judi Freson and husband, John Libs; nieces and nephews, Emilee Hille and husband, Jay; Tim Freson; Andrew Freson and wife, Tami; Ron Freson, Jr.; and Alice Ann Goebel and husband, Greg.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2009, at Alexander East Chapel, officiated by Rev. Kevin McKinney, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Saturday from 11 a.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Special Care Unit Fund of the Franklin United Methodist Community, 1070 W. Jefferson Street, Franklin, IN 46131 or to Vista Care Hospice, 6431 S. East St., Indianapolis, IN 46227. Arrangements by Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue.

March 12, 2009
We live in Florida and I am so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I played basketball with your father at Bosse High School. Al Buck, Redington Beach, Florida

March 12, 2009
Sorry, I meant to say your sister. Pam

March 12, 2009
Judy, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Pamela Burch Matthews