Martha Susan (Lockwood) Kaufman, 66, a former resident of Evansville, suffered a sudden hemorrhagic stroke on Easter night at her home in Carmel, Indiana. Her body died peacefully at the Indianapolis St. Vincent's Hospice on April 14, 2007.
Born in Evansville on October 21, 1940, to Emily and Walter Lockwood, Martha's early life was nurtured by her loving family and the St. Lucas Evangelical and Reformed Church. A [1958] graduate of Bosse High School in Evansville, Martha received her B.A. degree from the University of Evansville in 1962, and an M.S. degree in education from Indiana University in 1964. From 1962-68, Martha taught first grade at Plaza Park School. She would continue her educational vocation with several pre-school teaching positions in Carmel.
Martha met the Rev. Donald I. Kaufman in August, 1964, when he had been called to the pastorate of St. Matthew's United Church of Christ in Evansville. The couple married in St. Lucas Church on June 26, 1965, and enjoyed not only the love of one another but also the blessings of the birth of their daughter, Susan Diane, in 1968. In 1970 the family moved to South Bend, Ind., where, in 1975, son, Timothy Donald was born. They moved to Carmel in 1983.
Martha was a devoted mother and a caring volunteer who was active in various church and community organizations, including the PEO Sisterhood, Salvation Army, Church Women United, and the Women's Board of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference, United Church of Christ. Family was foremost in Martha's life. She dearly loved her six grandchildren (Jordan Miller, Zoe Kaufman, Hailey Kaufman, Allison Miller, Isaac Kaufman, and Ethan Miller) and members of her extended family, and enjoyed organizing gatherings so she could be with them.
Martha is survived by her beloved husband, Don; daughter Susan Miller (husband Todd) of Richmond, Ind.; and son, Timothy (Valerie) in Evansville, and their dear families. She will be remembered lovingly by her three older sisters, Elizabeth Buck, Evansville; Mary Jean Orander, Indianapolis; Carolyn Reisinger, Highland Heights, Ky.; three nieces and four nephews; and other family members and friends.
A memorial service celebrating Martha's life will be on Saturday, April 21, at 11 a.m. in the Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ, 416 E. North Street, Indianapolis. Visitation with family and friends will be on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Peter's United Church of Christ, 3106 E. Carmel Drive in Carmel.
Martha loved children, and memorial contributions may be made to the Brooklawn Child and Family Services, 2125 Goldsmith Lane, Louisville, or Crossroad/Ft. Wayne Children's Home, 2525 Lake Avenue, Ft. Wayne, or to a favorite church or charity.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Leppert Mortuary Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, Ind. You may visit the website www.leppertmortuary.com where you may sign her online register, leave a personal message or make a memorial contribution.
Leppert Mortuary Nora Chapel,
740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240
