Martha C. (Roeder) Ackerman, 84, of New London, Ohio, entered into heavenly rest on Saturday, October 5, 2024.  She was at home, where she wanted to be, surrounded by her loving family.  Martha was born on September 11, 1940, in New London, Ohio, to the late Norbert and Mary (Pheiffer) Roeder.  The oldest of 13 children, she grew up in New London, often assisting her parents with the care of her siblings.  Martha graduated from New London High School in 1958.

After high school, she continued her pursuit of a nursing career, by earning a diploma from St. Vincent Charity Nursing School.  She was a nurse at the former New London Hospital.  Martha and her late husband Robert Ackerman identified a need in the community and opened Martha's Nursing Home.  After her time at the nursing home, the remainder of her nursing career was spent at Fisher-Titus Medical Center in Norwalk.

Martha was a lifelong member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in New London.  She had a radiant love for the Lord and for helping others in her church and beloved New London community.  Over the years Martha filled too many roles at the church to list but among them were Altar Rosary Society, she offered Communion to shut-ins, was a Prayer Chain Leader, organizer of church luncheons, etc.  Martha never knew a stranger, and was always looking for opportunities to assist others in need.  She was devoted to her family, and was a loving wife, mother, "grammie", and "Aunt Martha". She enjoyed traveling and following the athletic and scholastic events of her family.  Traveling all over the state of Ohio to offer her support.  Martha loved to have the prettiest flowers in town, and she enjoyed taking her grandchildren on vacations.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna Alt of New London and Beth (Tony) Schaffeld of Medina; son, John (Cindy) Ackerman of Cincinnati; siblings, Tom (Nancy) Roeder, John Roeder, Joyce Dillinger, Marilyn (Mike) Marshall, Becky (Bob) Gainok, Randy Roeder, Mary Jo Roeder, and Mark (Linda) Roeder; grandchildren, Celeste Alt, Zach Alt, Brandon Alt, Ashley Norton, Jason Ackerman, Justin Ackerman, and Mark Schaffeld; 4 great grandchildren; several cousins, and was affectionately referred to as "aunt Martha" by many nieces and nephews, and also many in the community…sometimes even to those unrelated to her.

In addition to her parents, Martha was preceded in death by her husband Robert Ackerman; loving companion of 25 years, Leonard Leach; and siblings, Bernadette, Shirley, Bobby, Jerry, and Joseph (in infancy).

Her visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Eastman Funeral Home, 200 W. Main St., New London, from 4-8 p.m. A rosary will be held before the visitation at 3:30 p.m.  The funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church beginning at 11 a.m. with Father Ron Brickner and Father Kishore Kattana presiding.  Burial will follow the Mass, in Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in New London.  Memorial contributions may be directed to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church (to the "Organ Fund"), 18 Park Ave., New London, Ohio, 44851.  Eastman Funeral Home, New London is honored to assist the family with Martha's funeral arrangements and care.  Online condolences may be expressed by visiting the funeral home website: www.eastmanfuneralhome.com

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church
18 Park Ave, New London OH 44851