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Martha M. Wilson, age 97, of Sturgis, and formerly of Orland, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Parkview LaGrange Hospital.
She was born on February 8, 1928 in Sturgis to George and Ella (Royer) Pippenger. Martha grew up in the Brighton, Indiana area and graduated from Brighton High School. A lifelong resident of LaGrange County, she was deeply rooted in her community and family.
On May 18, 1947, she married Carleton Stukey in Sturgis. Tragically, their time together was cut short when Carleton died in a car accident in November 1954. Martha later found love again, marrying Wayne Lamont Wilson on September 14, 1956 in Orland, Indiana. They shared a life of love, family, and entrepreneurship until Lamont’s passing on February 13, 1990.
Together, Martha and Lamont owned and operated Orland Hardware and Orland LP Gas Co., where they worked side by side and served their community for many years.
Martha was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her large and loving family. She is survived by her children: Phyllis (Stanley) Lewis of Indianapolis; Marilyn Barrows and Kay (John) Petruska, both of Sturgis; Dwayne (Judy) Wilson and John (Terry) Stukey, both of Orland; and Michael Wayne Wilson of Garrett, IN. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands, Carleton Stukey and Wayne Lamont Wilson; a daughter, Connie Jo Bull; two grandsons, Jim Wilson and Derek C. “Bub” Stukey; a great-granddaughter, Lauren VanDongen; a great-grandson, “Little John” Stukey; her son-in-law, John Barrows; and her lifelong best friend, Joy June Stukey, whom she had cherished since the fourth grade and who passed away just days before her, on May 30, 2025.
Private graveside services will be held at Pretty Prairie Cemetery in Howe, Indiana.
A Celebration of Life will be held on August 9, 2025, from 1 to 4 pm. at the Brighton Chapel Church, 5415 State Road 3, Howe, IN 46746.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Martha’s memory may be made to Riley Hospital for Children.
Arrangements by Frurip-May Funeral Home.
