Martha Frances Gross' Obituary
Martha Frances Gross, 87, of New Haven, passed into the arms of her Savior Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Saint Anne Home, Fort Wayne. Born in Portland, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Nellie (Wiebusch) McClung. She entered into a saving, personal relationship with Jesus as a teenager and through the rest of her life endeavored to introduce others to Him as well. She was a member of Grace Summit Church, Fort Wayne. Her purpose, energy, and fervency in life revolved around children. She loved and led her own children to faith-filled, productive lives, and was constantly involved in various ways of impacting and caring for children. She served in Sunday School into her 80's, was a pre-school teacher for a number of years, and then worked as a hostess at the New Haven McDonald's, where she retired in 2001 after 20 years. There she organized and led kids' birthday parties, decorated the lobby, greeted and served customers, led seniors' bingo in the afternoons, and coordinated Ronald McDonald's local appearances. Ronald loved Mom! She treasured time with her family and sought as much time with them as she could get through holiday get-togethers, trips to her beloved Pokagon State Park, family birthdays (EVERYONE got a birthday party!), and attendance at all the kids and grandkids activities. She loved nothing more than having her home filled with laughing, running, playing children, even after she could no longer run and laugh with them. Her legacy is lived out every day through her family in their joy of life, love of Christ, service to others, work ethic, and continuing intimate closeness of relationship and togetherness with each other. We will deeply miss her, but we know God has welcomed her into His heavenly home with this greeting, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"
She is survived by her children, John (Karen) Gross and Julie (Eric) Knutson; siblings, Barbara (Mike) Glentzer, Peggy (Mike) Peterson, Kevin (Diane), David (Kathy), and Kit (Dana) McClung; six grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. She was also preceded in his death by her husband of 45 years, John in 2003; and siblings, Kathleen Bragg, Steve, Johnny, and Ronald McClung.
Funeral service is 3 pm Monday, March 24, 2025, at Harper's Community Funeral Home, 740 St. Rd. 930 E., New Haven with visitation one hour prior. Visitation is also 1 to 4 pm Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial in Highland Park Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Preferred memorials to Grace Summit Church. For online condolences please visit www.harperfuneralhome.com
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