Martha J. Zeller, formerly of Tiffin, died January 1, 2011, at the Fairmount Nursing Center in Willoughby. She was 90 years old.

Martha Jane was born February 22, 1920, in Tiffin, to James and Nana (Bonham) Malkmus. She was married to John Richard Zeller December 23, 1942, in Champagne, Illinois, until his death in 1983.

Survivors include two daughters, Jane (Cliff) Butterweck of Cleveland, Georgia; and Christine (Bob) Smith of Perry; three grandchildren, Kelly, Brian and Dawn; a great-granddaughter, Clara; and nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death along with her parents, and husband, is a sister, Hazel Mae Bock.

She was a 1938 graduate of Tiffin Columbian High School and attended Tiffin University. During WWII, she worked for the American Red Cross in Port Clinton. For most of her life, Martha Jane was a homemaker, but she worked for the city of Tiffin from 1968-1979, serving in the finance department, worked in the mayor's office and held an elected position of City Clerk. While living in Tiffin, she was a member of Washington Street United Methodist Church, Elks, Y-Wives, St. Francis Home Auxiliary and volunteered at Betty Jane Memorial Center. In 1995, she moved to Willoughby and remained there until her death.

Her memorial service will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 15, 2011, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, 236 S. Washington St., Tiffin, OH, 44883, 419-447-2424, with Rev. Nathan Howe officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family 10-11 AM, Saturday, January 15, 2011, at Hoffmann-Gottfried-Mack Funeral Home & Crematory.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the charity of the donor's choice.

Letters of condolence may be sent, and the guest book signed at www.hgmackfuneralhome.com