Martha Conkle
Martha “Jean” Conkle, age 92, formerly of 2348 Barrington Dr., Toledo, Ohio, passed away May 13, 2014, at Wesley Glen Retirement Community in Columbus, Ohio.
Jean was born to the late Dr. Will Chris Jessen and Bernice Smith Jessen in Wichita, Kan. She grew up in Peabody, Kan., and was a graduate of Peabody High School. Jean attended the University of Kansas and graduated with a B.A. from the University of Toledo in 1983.
She was preceded in death in 2012 by her husband, Allan J. Conkle. They were married in the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel, Annapolis, Md., in 1945.
Jean was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and a devoted homemaker. Jean was a member of the Toledo Museum of Art Ambassadors, Toledo Bar Association Auxiliary, and Chi Omega sorority. Jean was a Cub Scout Den Mother and the proud mother of three Eagle Scouts.
She was a World Book Encyclopedia salesperson and thus became known as the “book lady.” She and her mother, Bernice, of 302 Vine St. in Peabody, never failed to write each other weekly.
Jean is survived by her three sons, William (Christina) Conkle of Santa Monica, Calif., John (Phyllis) Conkle of Santa Monica, and Thomas (Mary Beth) Conkle of Columbus; nine grandchildren, Christian, John, Christopher, Ann, Catherine, Elizabeth, Jeff, and Billy Conkle and Jennifer (Adam) Bartrim; and a great-granddaughter, Sarah Bartrim.
Visitation was from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, May 19, 2014, at Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd. in Toledo. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at Gesu Roman Catholic Church in Toledo, with Fr. Alan Zobler, OSFS, Celebrant. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery in Toledo. A memorial service will be at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2014, at Wesley Glen Retirement Community, 5155 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio, 43214.
Those planning on an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a donation to the Toledo Museum of Art. The family wishes to thank Jean’s devoted caregivers from Home Instead, Senior Independence Hospice, and the staffs at Wesley Glenn Retirement Community and Swan Creek Retirement Community.
To sign and view Jean’s guestbook, please visit www.coylefuneralhome.com.