Martha King, age 87, of Lebanon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025. Preceded in death by her parents Albert and Helen DeGroot, and brother Richard DeGroot.

Born and raised in Holland, Michigan, she carried with her throughout life the kindness, warmth, and quiet strength of her Midwestern roots. Martha graduated with a bachelors degree from Western Michigan. A lifelong learner and dedicated educator, she earned her Master's degree in Education and devoted over 30 years to teaching kindergarten. Her classroom was a place of wonder, laughter, and gentle encouragement—where countless children took their first joyful steps into learning under her care.

A woman of deep faith and service, she was a former deacon at the First Presbyterian Church of Lebanon. Martha found purpose in helping others and building community. She volunteered as an adult reading instructor at Lebanon Public Library, co-ran a support group for widowed and divorced adults in Warren County "Chrysalis to Butterfly" through St Francis Church, was for many years the secretary of the Warren County Ohio Retired Teachers Association, and participated in the Circle of Friends group, as well as co founded Boomer Buddies Social Group in Warren County. An avid gardener and crafter, Martha lovingly created greeting cards to send to friends and family. She was even a traditional Dutch klompen dancer in her youth.
Her compassion, humility, and steady spirit touched everyone she met.

She is survived by her brother Kenneth DeGroot (Christy DeGroot), her loving daughters: Jessica King (Mark Graven) and Kathryn King (Stan Sherrill), two cherished grandsons, Sean McEntee and Evin McEntee, and Mark's children Don (Samantha Cruz), Kyle, Chad, Hunter, and bonus great-grandchildren Alivia, Michael, and Roman. Her family brought her immense pride and joy. She loved being known as Granmarty.

Her family and friends will remember her for her patience, grace, and the unconditional love she offered so freely. Special thanks for those who took such loving care of her in her later years.

Visitation, Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 3:00 PM-4:00 PM with  a memorial service at 4:00 PM, all at the Oswald-Hoskins Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Hospice of Dayton, or to a charity of your choice.