Marcella Louise Fender (Martin)

Marcella Louise Fender
Born in Plymouth, IN on April 18th 1923. She was the 9th of 13 children to Frank and
Freda Martin. Marcella attended Tyner consolidated school district in Plymouth, IN
and graduated in 1941. Her favorite subjects included choir, glee, club, and theater. Her
favorite play was where she portrayed “Amy” in the production of Little Women.
After graduation she worked at General Electric in Fort Wayne, IN as an inspector of
the B-29 airplane.
In 1943 she met Lawrence Irwin Fender at a movie theater in Fort Wayne, IN. They
were married on March 4, 1944 in Fort Wayne, IN. They were married 68 years until
his death in 2012.
In May of ‘44 they purchased the cape cod house on 501 N Union in Independence,
MO from Irwin’s aunt Eva to raise a family in. Marcella moved to the house by herself
in August 1944 until Irwin returned from the army in 1946. Marcella was a step-mother
to Lawrence David Fender. Then on October 30, 1946 their first son was born, Paul Irwin
Fender. Another son arrived May 29, 1948, Christian Martin Fender. And on August 28,
1950 a daughter was born, Lorna Kathleen Fender. In 1980 they moved one door to
the north 721 W Waldo where they lived out their golden years.
While raising her family she helped Irwin with accounting and office work for his
construction company until Irwin retired. She also volunteered her time to the PTA
and Stone Church.
Her most cherished memories were her visits back to the family farm. Longview Farm
Plymouth, IN. She loved to ride the train back home at night while her children slept.
Her father would pick them up and head to the farmstead and days were followed
making many memories with her siblings and their families. Throughout the years she
loved returning to Indiana for family reunions.
Marcella spent her life taking care of her family. After raising her children she enjoyed
helping with the grandchildren. She loved her family and cherished every family meal
spent around the dining room table. She shared her cooking skills with the
congregation at Stone Church in the women’s department for many years. This
included organizing meals, working the candy booth at the Williamsburg festival, and
serving during the RLDS conferences.
Marcella was preceded in death by her husband Irwin and son Paul. She leaves behind
her children Chris Fender, Lorna Fender and David Fender. Grandchildren Julie
Gooding husband Chris, Scott Fender wife Chandra, Jennifer Bradley husband Jason,
Amy King husband Keith, Cristina Fender, Carla VanCleave, Darla Sequin husband
Brian , Lisa Shipp husband David along with her great- grandchildren, great-great grandchildren
and many other family members.
An interment at Mound Grove Cemetery will be held at a later date.