Martha Jean Ashby

Martha Jean Ashby 
(Known lovingly as “Runaway”) 

Martha Jean Ashby, age 76, passed away unexpectedly on May 17th. She was a resident of Kettering, Ohio, and a woman whose spirit was as unforgettable as the life she lived.

Martha was born in Panama City, Panama, where her father worked for the government and she attended Balboa High School, graduating in 1969. During her youth, she spent countless joyful hours with family and friends at Albrook and Curundu Stables, where her lifelong love of horses and animals began.

She later moved to Texas, where she welcomed her first child, Nancy Miro, in January 1971. Martha then settled in Elkins, West Virginia, with her family, where she gave birth to her daughter, Kimberly Teter, in June 1978, and later to her son, Larry Teter Jr., in June 1981. Together, the family lived on a farm and raised an array of animals—from rabbits to horses—and showed them with pride.

Before eventually moving to Ohio, Martha embraced her adventurous side and tried her hand at running a biker bar near a lake in West Virginia and in Belington. With her love for motorcycles, bold personality, and ability to make friends anywhere she went, it was the perfect fit for her free-spirited nature.

After her children moved to Dayton, Ohio, Martha began a new chapter and pursued a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Her personality—equal parts loving, serious, and wonderfully silly—made her a natural in the caregiving field. She brought comfort, humor, and genuine compassion to every person she cared for. Martha, at that time, had her faithful four-legged friend Sparky to keep her company.

In later years, after being injured on the job, she spent a few years in Texas with her sibling before moving back to Ohio. Martha devoted her time to what mattered most: her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved watching them grow, being part of their lives, and celebrating every moment with them. Martha enjoyed spending time with her loving dog, Diamond, whom she took everywhere. She also rediscovered her creativity, making dream catchers, spiritual crafts, and unique holiday gifts inspired by her deep appreciation for Native art and symbolic items. These creations became treasured pieces she shared with those she loved.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Phra and Darleen Ashby, and her sister, Susie Ashby.

She is survived by her brothers, Harry Ashby and Jim Ashby and his daughter Jessica Ashby; her sister, Patty Dowell, and Patty’s husband, Jarrell Dowell; her children, daughter Nancy Miro, and Kimberly Teter, and son Larry Teter Jr.; her grandchildren: Patience Stearns, Jasmine Juillerat, Logan Lovelace, Karly Smith, Kendrick Teter, Thaine Teter, Levi Teter, and Ellie Teter, Debbie and Jaynie Pack; and her greatgrandchildren, Bentley Allen and Aries Allen.