Martha (Lawver) Noel

 Martha L. Noel, 93, of Indianapolis, passed away on January 30th, 2024. She was born November 17, 1930, to the late Eldon Talmadge Lawver and Mary (Hicks) Lawver in Huntington, Indiana. Martha earned her bachelor’s from Huntington College, and master’s degree in health & safety from Indiana University.  She worked in the Ft. Wayne community schools as a health and physical education teacher for many years and was dedicated to her students’ well-being. Later in life, she worked in the Allen County Auditor's Office, B. Dalton bookstore, and Waldenbooks. She also worked for the University of Chicago’s National Opinion Research Center (NORC) carrying out interviews and documenting public opinion.  She was an active member of her community and served as a precinct committeewoman during the 1972 Nixon-McGovern presidential race. She was also a member of the National Urban League in the 1970s, and she volunteered for Girl Scouts and the public library.  Decades later she took on a part-time job at "Every Other Book" a used bookstore on Crescent.  Martha was an avid tennis player and gardener, she enjoyed bridge and book club and formed many strong friendships and ties through these activities.  She greatly admired wildlife, and all animals (dogs in particular) and was a generous friend to non-profit organizations supporting wildlife and a healthy planet. Martha had a zest for life, and a great love of family and adventure especially if they could be combined, such as in Sierra Club Service trips with grandchildren in Colorado and Lake Tahoe, or extended family visits to South Haven, Michigan. She visited Alaska twice with her son, Bill, and then again on an Elderhostel trip with her husband Dick. She enjoyed hosting “tea time” with her family and with fellow residents of Hoosier Village which often involved laughter and food. Because of her energy and spunk, Martha inspired her children and grandchildren to continue to challenge themselves and to try new things. “Life is not a dress rehearsal” was one of Martha's favorite sayings.  As a loving Mom and Grandmother, matriarch, and friend, Martha will be remembered for her optimism, energy, and boundless enthusiasm for life, family, and community. 

 Martha is survived by her children, John (Julie) Noel, James (Amanda) Noel, Bill (Esther) Noel, and Bob Noel (fiancé, Marce Massey); five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Martha was the youngest of four:  James Lawver, Joenita (Lawver) Gemmer, and Henry Lawver of Huntington.  She was preceded in death by her siblings and beloved husband, Richard W. Noel. She will be missed by all. 

 A memorial gathering and celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 3rd from 12 - 4 PM at Pavilion 2 in Fort Wayne's Lakeside Park, 1401 Lake Ave.  There will be a luncheon and the family is requesting RSVPs to bobnoel64@gmail.com by April 5th for catering purposes.

The family requests that those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the Ft. Wayne Parks Department, specifically Lakeside Park.  Checks may be mailed to their main office at 705 E. State Blvd, Ft. Wayne, 46805, or by credit card over the phone at (260) 427-6000. 

 Arrangements entrusted to Aaron-Ruben-Nelson Mortuary. Friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.arnmortuary.com.