Van Wert native Martha Verdene Lehman Simindinger, 79, of rural Grover Hill, died at 11:40 a.m. July 3, 2006, at Van Wert County Hospital.

She was born Jan. 3, 1927, in Van Wert, to Elza and Pearlie McMichael Pease. She married Paul Smith, who is deceased. She married Donald J. Lehman, who died Jan. 31, 1992. She married Kenneth I. Simindinger, who survives.

Also surviving are a son, David (Brenda) Smith, Van Wert; a daughter, Marty (Brett) Gardner, Van Wert; eight stepsons, Danny (Judy) Lehman, Springfield, Dave (Judy) Lehman, of Texas, Dennis Lehman, of Tennessee, Virgil (Theresa), Van Wert, Terry, Grover Hill, and Kenny Jr., Tim and Jerry, all of Cloverdale; two stepdaughters, Diane (Dick) Jenkins, Elida, and Debbie (Mark) Ainsworth, Ohio City; a sister, Virginia Ewersen, Port Clinton; 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Deceased are two daughters, Mary Ann Smith and Donna Kay Lehman; and a brother, Erwin Pease.

She taught piano lessons for many years and played for area churches including First Friends Church, Van Wert.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Friday at Cowan & Son Funeral Home, Van Wert, the Rev. Keith Stuck officiating. Burial is at Middle Creek Cemetery, near Grover Hill.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.