Martha Barkett Straker

Martha Barkett Straker, age 83, born in Dover, Ohio, on May 15, 1940, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2024 in Venice, Florida, surrounded by her family. 

On September 8, 1962, she married her beloved husband, Ralph “Strake” Straker.  They celebrated 52 years of marriage until the time of his death in 2015.

Martha is survived by her children Kevin (Cheryl) Straker, Barb Straker, Shari (Dave) Hamlin, Amy (Brian) Bartemes, and her 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, Mary and Domet Barkett, and two brothers William and Robert Barkett; she is survived by sisters-in-law Rose and Susan.

She graduated in 1958 from St. Joseph High School in Dover, Ohio, and went on to attend Notre Dame College for Women, in Cleveland, Ohio, majoring in Home Economics.

Martha was a very hard worker and held a variety of jobs over the years, including being employed as a teller at First National Bank in Steubenville, a bookkeeper at D’Anniballe & Company accounting firm, and as a human resources officer at TIMET in Toronto, Ohio.  She also was quite the entrepreneur, combining her love of baking with her Home Economics skills to create a business of selling cakes, cookies and candies.  It may come as a surprise to some, but many remember Martha for her signature bikini cake!

Loved by her family, friends, and neighbors, Martha had a zest for life and was always “on the go”.  She enjoyed walks with friends, her card clubs and Mahjong group, playing bingo and traveling, including the occasional trip to a casino. She loved her retirement in Florida and will be remembered for her warm smile, gracious generosity, upbeat spirit and love of life. 

Martha was a devout Catholic, still kneeling down to pray every night before bed. She also was a gifted pianist and organist, sharing her musical talent by playing for many weddings, funerals and the weekly Mass at Holy Family Church in Steubenville.

Martha will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral liturgy with mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. at Holy Family Church, Steubenville, Ohio.

Visitation with family one hour prior. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church (holyfamilysteubenville.com)  or   St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org).

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