Martha Louise McDiarmid
Martha Louise “Babes” McDiarmid of Charlotte, a quick-witted lady with a great sense of humor and an extensive collection of everything watermelon, died March 14, 2024, at the age of 88. Martha was born in Janesville, WI on March 26, 1935, to Clarence and Ada (Ozmen) Coulson. In February of 1964 she married Lyle McDiarmid and then raised their children in the country, gardening, raising cattle, and even making their own maple syrup. Martha was an excellent baker, not only making delicious treats for her family, but she also worked as a baker at Charlotte Bakery and later as a cook at Olivet College for over 25 years. In addition to her collection of watermelon, she also collected Christmas tree pins. Martha also loved flowers and was very proud of her gardens with her favorite flowers being the hyacinth and iris. A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Martha cherished every moment she spent with her family.
Martha is survived by her children, Steve (Sheila) McDiarmid, Rebecca Berry, Cheri (Jerry) McDiarmid, Wendy Ratliff, Deborah (Joe) Brege, and Eric Scott (Linda) McDiarmid; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bernard (Bev) McDiarmid, Doris Thorton, Joyce (Ron) Need, and Linda (David) Suntken; as well as many nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by son, Robert Felder; husband, Lyle McDiarmid; grandson, James VanVleck; brother, Robert Coulson; and sons-in-law, Duke Berry and Warren Clemons.
Friends are encouraged to support Martha’s family by sharing memories on her Tribute Page at www.prayfuneral.com. Visitation was Wednesday, March 20, at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. Funeral services were Thursday, March 21, 2:00 p.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte. The funeral was webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to www.prayfuneral.com, click on Martha’s tribute, then click on Photos and Videos from your computer (or Media from your smart phone). If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of your choice. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.