Martha L. Coates, 97, died at 11 a.m. Dec. 11, 2012, at Richland Manor Nursing Home, Bluffton.

She was born Oct. 20, 1915, in Jackson Township to Clinton E. and Neva E. Akerman Fisher, who preceded her in death. On July 9, 1938, she married Lewis D. Coates, who died May 20, 1989.

Mrs. Coates was a homemaker. She was a life member of Zion Lutheran Church, Lafayette, and its WELCA women's group.

Survivors include three sons, Charles (Jane) Coates, of Harrod, Roger (Marcille) Coates, of West Newton, and Thomas (Joan) Coates, of Pemberville; a daughter, Rose (Bruce) Roberson, of West Newton; and 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Alan Coates, who died in 1993; two brothers, Robert and Thomas Marion Fisher; and a great-great-granddaughter, Ruth Coates.

Services will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 at Zion Lutheran Church, Lafayette. Pastor Larry Trover will officiate. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hanson-Neely Funeral Home, Ada, and one hour prior to services Friday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zion Lutheran Church.