Martha Belle Stripe, 86, left this Earth to be with the love of her life, Frank on November 21, 2020.

Martha was the daughter of Carl and Alice (McCray) Parsons. She was born on July 26, 1934 and on March 13, 1954 she married Franklin Delano Stripe, Sr.

Martha was a homemaker and the mother of 4 ornery boys. She loved her family more than life itself. Anyone who knew her, knew she was a lover of garage sales and built many collections around them especially Angels, Owls and trinkets of all kinds. She also loved putting puzzles together and listening to country music. She was a member of Trinity Friends Church in Van Wert, Ohio.

Survivors include her sons Franklin D. (Debra) Stripe, Jr. of Bellefontaine, Ohio, Richard D. Stripe, Marvin W. (Renee) Stripe and Jeff Stripe all of Van Wert; 13 grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and one great great grandson and many nieces and nephews. Five brothers; Carl (Judy) Parsons, Miles (Carol) Parsons, Roger (Linda) Parsons, Doyle (Pam) Parsons and Merle (Deb) Parsons all of Van Wert. Two sisters; Shirley Arnett and Romaine (Donnie) Sparks.

Preceding her in death were her beloved Frank; her parents; her daughter-in-law Dorothy "Susie" Stripe; two granddaughters: Stacie Marie Stripe and Teala Nichole Stripe; a great grandson: Christian Gephart; two brothers: Kenneth Parson and Richard Parsons; and two sisters: Barbra Moorman and Betty Vaught.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 25, at the Cowan and Son Funeral Home, with Pastor Tom Kinnan officiating. Burial will follow at Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert. Calling hours will be at 1:30 p.m. until time of service on Wednesday.

Preferred memorials are to Van Wert County Hospital.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to cowanfuneralhome.com, Tribute Wall.