Martha I. Hardenburg

Martha Hardenburg, age 94, of Battle Creek passed away on August 26, 2021. She was born on October 3, 1926 in Battle Creek, Michigan. Martha's parents, John and Agnes Dale, immigrated from Scotland to America through Ellis Island, New York. Martha has one older sister, Mary Norris Koerner.

A lifelong Battle Creek resident, Martha graduated from Battle Creek Central High School. On April 12, 1947, she married the love of her life, Walter ("Walt") James Hardenburg, Sr. Martha and Walter met through mutual friends and were married for 71 years before Walter passed away on March 29, 2019. Martha worked as an office assistant for Clark Equipment and the neurologist's office of Dr's Griffith, Maurer, Hughes and Jones.

Martha and Walt had three children, Jane Porter, Walter Hardenburg, Jr. and Nancy Sackrider. They raised their family on Wattles Road in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Martha and Walter loved travelling. Some highlights of their travels included Alaska, Hawaii and Scotland. They also vacationed in Fort Myers, Florida and Big Manistee Lake, Michigan. When their children were young, Martha and Walter would take a month-long trip across the country in their pop-up trailer with the kids. When the kids were older, Martha and Walt purchased a cottage on Wall Lake in Delton, Michigan, with Martha's sister and brother-in-law Mary Norris and Herb Koerner. The families enjoyed many summers at Wall lake.

Martha enjoyed baking shortbread, cookies and pies. Martha and Walter loved playing pinochle, dominoes and euchre with family and friends. They could often be found on their porch listening to Detroit Tigers baseball or working in their garden. She was at her happiest getting her hair done and soaking up the sun. She was a member of First Presbyterian church for over 70 years and a member of Miriam Circle at the church.

Martha will be remembered for her contagious laugh and love for her family. Her laughing fits would brighten any gathering and will be remembered by those lucky enough to have known her.

Martha is survived by her three children: Jane (Donald) Porter, Walter Jr (Leatha) Hardenburg and Nancy (Mark) Sackrider. Six grandchildren: Kathy (Roger Jr.) McCowan, Scott (Jaynie) Porter, Lance Hardenburg, Haley Hardenburg, Kyle (Rachel) Sackrider and Kevin Sackrider along with 5 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren, her sister Mary Norris Koerner and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Walter Hardenburg, Sr.

The family will receive friends and family from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Tuesday, August 31st at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Battle Creek, MI where the funeral service to celebrate Martha's Life will be held at 12:00 noon. the service will be Livestreamed and may be viewed at https://vimeo.com/593483077. Committal and interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions can be made in her honor to the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility.