Martha Marie Leslie (Speedy), 89, Denver, passed peacefully in her sleep Monday, Aug. 22, 2016, at the home of her daughter, Julia Sonafrank, where she had resided for the past seven years.

Martha was born in Mishawaka on Sept. 25, 1926, to Arthur and Julia VanDerHeyden, who preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Russel R. Leslie, on Sept. 13, 1947 at St. Bavos Catholic Church in Mishawaka. After his retirement, they spent many years wintering in Florida. He preceded her in death on April 2, 1994. Martha continued spending time in Florida and had many great friends and memories at Bob Hope Retirement Villa. Together they had six children.

Her surviving children include: Thomas (Delia) Leslie, Kirbyville; Julia Sonafrank, Denver, Indiana; Bruce Leslie, Pine, Arizona; and Dee (David) Greer, Denver. Martha has 16 grandchildren. Those surviving include: Thomas Leslie Jr., April Deal, Darryl (Nikki) Pugh, Kelly Pugh, Craig (Shelly) Pugh, David (Theresa) Ireland, Missy (Jason) Yurechko, Alicia (Derek) James, Jessie Ireland, Rachael (Brandon) Leslie, Brent Leslie, Leslie (Chris) Hendrix, Lisa (Matt) Turnpaugh, Jonathon (Sarah) Carrothers and Nicholas (Brittany) Carrothers. Martha also was blessed with 28 great-grandchildren: Aiden, Lily, and Josephine Leslie; Skyler and Alexander Deal; Dawson and Trace Pugh; Warren and Lane Russo; Timothy, Jesscia and Elizabeth Hoffman, and Connor Pugh; Micah, Elly and Lucy Ireland; Rosie and Andy Yurechko; Luke, Max and Eli Grist and Jordi James; Baleigh and Evelyn Hendrix; Jocelyn, Lucy and Quinn Carrothers; and Declan Carrothers.

In addition to her husband, Russel, she was preceded in death by her siblings: Maurice, Donald and Roy VanDerHeyden, and Irene Hassenfus. Other family that preceded her in death include: Joseph Sonafrank, son-in-law, JoAnn Carrothers, daughter, Arthur Leslie, son, and Laura Greer, granddaughter.

Martha was an avid crocheter, enjoyed reading, doing word searches and having an occasional beer. If you have an afghan she crocheted, please bring it to share at the visitation.

The family would like to thank Dr. William Hoover and Dr. James Dugan who took such good care of Martha and always made time to make her feel comfortable. They would also like to thank Dukes Memorial Hospital staff and nurses as well as Premiere Hospice. A special thanks to Angel, Sherry and Aleesha who were a blessing in her final days.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 W. 3rd St., Peru, with the Rev. Mark Spencer officiating.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, at Flowers-Leedy.

Love offerings may be made to Premiere Hospice through Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com