Martha Mendenhall-English

Martha Mendenhall-English of Red Wing, formerly of Durham, NC, and always a free spirit of California, decided it was time for her final adventure on Monday, July 23rd. Born the eldest of two children to Fred and Dorothy Mendenhall, she quickly mastered the art of bossing around her younger brother.

Martha's childhood was spent in the wild southwest and Mexico, where her father chased oil and she chased trouble. After her father passed away, she, her mother, and brother moved to Lansing, MI, to regroup and plot their next moves. Martha eventually found herself at the University of Michigan, where she met Clifford English, her future husband. Together, they raised four children and lived in Decorah, IA, and Durham, NC, while Cliff taught at Luther College and Duke University. The couple would later divorce.

 A lifelong learner, Martha attended graduate school off and on for over 40 years—because why finish quickly when you can enjoy the student life forever? She poured her passion into helping those on society's edges, first through early childhood development (Head Start) and later as a social worker.

 Martha was the life of the party, always ready to share a story, drink your wine, and suggest an adventure. She loved traveling, with a trip to Mackinaw Island with her daughter Lesley being a standout memory, relished a good debate, and adored her family. She leaves behind her younger brother, Fred; her daughter Lesley of Decorah, IA (grandchildren Thomas and Ruth); daughter Jane (husband Jeremiah) of Ft. Liberty, NC; and son Tristan (wife Debra) of Red Wing. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Tanya.

 Martha will be missed by all who knew her, especially her children who will miss her reassurance, “Your Mommy loves you.”

 In true Martha style, the family will celebrate her life with a private service at a later date—probably involving a lot of laughter, a bit of chaos, and definitely some wine.