Leann Ruth Martens, age 68, of Marion, Indiana passed away at her home on January 16, 2026, at 11:50 a.m. She is survived by her husband, Gary Martens; her children, Nicholas Martens (Megan), Benjamin Martens (Autumn), and Margaret Elleman (Dalton); and her grandson, Elias Martens. She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Shirley Bagenstos.
Leann was born in Waterloo, Iowa on September 15, 1957. She had a deep passion for interpersonal connection and loved spending time both professionally and personally with people. Whether as a missionary intern in Cebu City in the Philippines, a counselor at ministries in Iowa and the Dominican Republic, at the local university here in Marion, or in private practice, Leann spent her life helping people. Her profession, however, was simply an extension of her personality. She initiated and maintained friendships from childhood, high school, college, grad school, and beyond – continuing to befriend new people even this last year while on home hospice.
Leann loved sports — especially basketball. She started as a young girl — shooting free throws and fifteen-foot jumpers for hours on end in the driveway of her home. She played on the girls’ basketball team in high school and dreamt of playing as a professional someday. But that was not to be. Leann definitely did not like the switch from six on six girls basketball (look it up) to five on five. Recently, however, when Caitlyn Clark started playing, life was good again!
Leann so loved her family, both her family of origin and her immediate one. Although we are grateful that her long struggle with Scleroderma is over, she will be deeply missed. Her love, kindness, forthrightness, generosity, wisdom, and infectious laughter will not be forgotten by any who really knew her.
A memorial visitation will take place from 1 to 3 pm on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at College Wesleyan Church, 200 E. 38th St., Marion, IN, 46953.
Immediately following visitation, a memorial service to celebrate Leann’s life will take place at 3 pm with Pastor Ethan Linder officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to Project Mercy, 7011 Ardmore Ave., Fort Wayne, IN 46809, USA Tel: (260) 747-2559 www.projectmercy.org, or Children’s Shelter of Cebu P.O. Box 247Cambridge, MN 55008 Tel: (651) 493-1551 www.cebushelter.org
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Condolences can be posted online at www.nswcares.com/obituaries
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