Martha M. "Mickey" Martin

Martha (Mickey) Maxine Martin (nee Rowley) , beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 84, surrounded by her children on Christmas Day. 

Born in Ripley, West Virginia, Mickey graduated from Ripley High School before relocating to Northern Kentucky. She married the late Robert (Bob) Martin in 1963 at St. Agnes Church. Ironically, the first Catholic wedding she ever attended was her own.

Mickey began her career in the Trust Department at Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati before choosing to stay home and raise her children. When her children were older, she returned to work, driving a school bus for Kenton County. For 29 years, she proudly served Park Hills, Blessed Sacrament, and Fort Wright elementary schools driving daily routes. One of her greatest joys was running into kids she had driven and meeting - and sometimes driving their children. 

Mickey loved sports and enjoyed bowling, golf, and cheering on her grandkids during basketball, baseball, softball and soccer games as well as cycling races. She was an avid Reds and Bengals fan often vehemently disagreeing with David Bell in the late innings from her favorite recliner. She was pretty happy with Zac Taylor. 

Mickey's love for the St. Charles Community where she lived was evident in her active participation in social activities, including monthly card games, lunch gatherings, the book club, and the monthly liver and onions dinner. She also enjoyed traveling to the beaches of Mexico, where she cherished the warmth of the sun and the company of friends.

Music was a constant source of joy for Mickey, especially classic country and bluegrass artists like Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, John Conlee, Johnny Cash, Connie Smith, Bill Monroe, and Mac Wiseman.

Mickey's life was defined by her deep love for her family, her vibrant social spirit, and her warm, welcoming nature. She was known for her kindness, sense of humor, and genuine love for others.

Mickey was preceded in death by her husband Bob Martin, and siblings Bennie and Rusty Rowley, Glenna Witschy, and Faye Skeen. She is survived by her children, Judy Martin Finch (Steve) and John Martin (Kim); her siblings, Mary Hembree of Elsmere, KY and Johnny Rowley of High Point, NC; and her grandchildren, Trenton Martin, Sam Finch, and Jillian Martin. Mickey is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.

Mickey's family takes great comfort in knowing she was surrounded by love in her final days. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Visitation will be held at 10am Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Agnes Church, 1680 Dixie Highway, Ft. Wright, KY, and will be immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:30am. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in her memory to one of the following charities in her honor: 

 Shine Like Lauren, Bluegrass Hospice of Northern Kentucky, or Notre Dame Academy.