Martha Elizabeth Cox Klondaris, of Warsaw, peacefully passed away surrounded by her children and grandchildren at the age of 97 on April 11, 2024. She is now home with her beloved husband, Terry. She was a beautiful person who exhibited the best qualities of the human spirit. She will be remembered for her grace, dignity, quick wit, love of books and years of educating children as an elementary school teacher.
She was born on March 1, 1927, in Warsaw. Martha was the only daughter born to Lena Sigler and Clarence Edward Cox. She was a lifetime resident of Kosciusko County where she was a graduating member of the class of 1945 from Warsaw High School. On Sept. 12, 1948, Martha married the love of her life, Terry John Klondaris. They were blessed with celebrating 68 years of marriage before Terry passed away on Dec. 4, 2016.
Martha had a heart for teaching and earned her bachelor’s degree from attending Stephens College in Missouri and Manchester College in North Manchester. Martha received her master’s degree from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne in elementary education. She loved teaching children at Lincoln Elementary School. Martha had the dedication, patience and kindness to influence many of her students with the love of learning.
Terry and Martha shared their work lives together at Cox Studio in Warsaw. Her favorite job during her lifetime was simply being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother! Martha enjoyed the many years she worshipped alongside her family and church family as a longtime member of Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Martha will always be loved and remembered by many and will be dearly missed.
She leaves behind her son, Michael (Lena Fermback) Klondaris, Warsaw; two daughters, Cindy (Doug) Hampton, Warsaw; Kristine “Kacy” (Thomas) Arnold, Silver Lake; four grandchildren: Kristine (Clint) Davis, Natalie (Josh) Cole, Kristofer and Hanna Klondaris; and five great-grandchildren: Jack, Rhett, Annie, Campbell and Luke. She was preceded in death by her husband.
Friends and family may visit from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, April 15 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw. Martha’s life will be celebrated with a service at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home and officiated by Chaplain Michael Baker. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 1048 S. CR 325W, Pierceton, IN 46562; or to Warsaw Salvation Army, 501 Arthur St., Warsaw, IN 46580.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.