Obituary for Mary Lou (Barley) Martin

Mary Louise Martin (Barley), 90, of Traverse City, MI, passed away on May 21, 2026, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Mary Lou was born on December 10, 1935, to Albert C. and Elizabeth J. (Gregg) Barley. She was raised in Portland, MI. She graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1954. After high school, she attended Wells College in New York, earning a degree in Education. After college, she returned to Portland, and in 1959 she married Dennis W. Martin. They raised their daughters, Betsy and Laura, in Lansing, where Mary Lou taught K–8 grades in various districts. After teaching, she worked with the Department of Agriculture for over 20 years.

Mary Lou loved her family dearly and enjoyed a great conversation. She always gave thoughtful advice. She was kindhearted and loving. She loved the night sky, especially the twilight. She was always there to greet you at the door with a warm welcome and always went out to send you off. Mary Lou’s hobbies included sewing beautiful quilts, reading, and spending time with her many dear friends and family. She was generous and lived her life with courage and humor right up to the end.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis W. Martin, of 33 years; a son-in-law, Ramon Ramirez Jr.; her parents, Albert C. and Elizabeth Barley; sisters, Betsy Barley, Joan Barley, and Gail Nowak; and brother, Larry Barley. Mary Lou is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth G. Ramirez and Laura A. Hehl (Scott); along with her grandchildren: Danielle E. Ramirez (Joe Shipman), Ramon M. Ramirez (Jessica Parent), Anthony M. Ramirez (Bree Willey), Amanda Ramirez (Rolex Fenelus), Jennifer A. Webb (Jacob), and Mitchell E. Hehl (Jasmine); and nine great-grandchildren: Connor, Dolan, Karsten, Aydia, Everleigh, Oliver, Savanna, Maeve, and Isla.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge Street, Portland, MI, on Saturday, May 30, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland, MI, with Father Logan Weber officiating. Interment will follow at Portland Cemetery, 950 E. Bridge Street, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made in Mary Lou’s memory to Hospice of Northern Michigan. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.