Former long-time Athens resident Martha L. Bratton, 102, died on February 1, 2025, in Columbus.  Born January 7, 1923 in Barnesville, Ohio, Martha spent most of her life in Athens with her veterinarian husband Dr. James K. Bratton (deceased) and two sons Jay Bratton, of McHenry, Illinois (deceased) and Larry Bratton of Dardenne Prairie, Missouri.

A 1940 graduate of Barnesville High School, Martha received her Bachelor's degree in Education in 1944 from The Ohio State University.  She was a member of the Athens First Presbyterian Church where she served on the Board of Deacons, was a Sunday School teacher, and a member of the Presbyterian Women's Association. She was a member of P.E.O. DD Chapter and volunteered at the Athens County Red Cross Chapter and O'Bleness Memorial Hospital. Upon moving to Columbus, she and her husband joined the Worthington Christian Church.

Martha loved bright colors and bright outlooks, and encouraged others to share in her joyful, faith-based approach to life.  She is also survived by daughters-in-law Debby Bratton and Cheryl Bratton, 5 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, her sister Gene Williams of Dayton, and many doting nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 12:30 in the afternoon April 5, 2025, in the multi-purpose room at Worthington Christian Village, 165 Highbluffs Blvd., Columbus.

Burial of cremains will be Saturday April 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Athens Memory Gardens with Rev. Robert Martin officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Columbus, OH 43205 or Athens First Presbyterian Church, 9 N. College St., Athens, OH 45701.  Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.