Martha L. Coates, 97, died at 11 a.m. Dec. 11, 2012, at Richland Manor Nursing Home, Bluffton.
She was born Oct. 20, 1915, in Jackson Township to Clinton E. and Neva E. Akerman Fisher, who preceded her in death. On July 9, 1938, she married Lewis D. Coates, who died May 20, 1989.
Mrs. Coates was a homemaker. She was a life member of Zion Lutheran Church, Lafayette, and its WELCA women's group.
Survivors include three sons, Charles (Jane) Coates, of Harrod, Roger (Marcille) Coates, of West Newton, and Thomas (Joan) Coates, of Pemberville; a daughter, Rose (Bruce) Roberson, of West Newton; and 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren.