Martha Ellen (Harris) Dow

Martha Ellen Harris Dow passed away at home on September 10th in Plainfield, IN at the age of 92. She was born in Jonesboro, IN on December 31, 1926 to Ernest and Lillian Harris. She was raised in Columbus, IN where she married Merle Frieders, with him she had two children, Ellen and Richard. She moved to Plainfield, IN after marrying Gene Wallace. Martha lived in Plainfield for over 40 years before heading to Tucson, AZ where she met and married J. Franklin Dow. After 23 years in Arizona, she returned to Plainfield in 2018. 

Martha worked for Indiana Bell as well as Public Service Indiana (now Duke Energy). She held several positions at other places of employment over the years, the last being H&R Block in Tucson. She had a lifelong love of music, and while in Tucson, she was the librarian and “den mother” for the Old Pueblo Brass Band. Another passion of hers was silk flower arranging, which she did for many years for family and friends. In this last year of her life, she enjoyed playing Bingo with friends at Sugar Grove Senior Living. Martha was a member of the Plainfield United Methodist Church until her move to Arizona where she was an active member of the Northminster Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her children, Ellen (Marty) Totzke, Richard (Ingred) Frieders, stepdaughter, Dorothy (Ed) Abbott as well as grandchildren, Ken Steidle, Kyle Steidle, Chris (DeAnn) Totzke, Connie Totzke, four great grandchildren, and best friend Pat Schonek.

Proceeding her in death were her parents, and husband J. Franklin Dow.  Hall-Baker Funeral Home, Plainfield, is in charge of the arrangements. 

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