Please call us right away. Our staff is available 24/7 to care for your family.
Call us at (812) 477-5316
Leave a Tribute
Martha “Marty” Friend
February 24, 1950 - September 22, 2020
Plan For the Future - Preplan your services
Protect the People You Love.
Complete the form below, and an Advanced Funeral Planning Advisor will contact you as soon as possible.
If you have an immediate need, please call us right away at (812) 477-5316
We will also make arrangements to provide you with our free planning guide.
Condolences(7)-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Previous Catherine Strong
Next Crystal Gail Lawrence
Haleigh Kampman says
September 23, 2020 at 7:31 pmDeepest sympathies to all members and close friends. Although I had never met her personally, the stories I had heard of Martha were wonderful; I could tell she was an extremely loving, caring, and strong woman, especially in her fight against cancer.
Lauren (Tait) Singleton says
September 24, 2020 at 2:45 amJohn and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. I have such fond memories of growing up on Lake Valley Dr and spending time with you all. I am praying for all of you. I’m sure she’s smiling down from Heaven on you all.
Andrea (Bollinger) Long says
September 24, 2020 at 1:53 pmJohn and Family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss and send you our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Nancy LeCompte says
September 25, 2020 at 2:06 amDear John & family,
I talked to Jean on the morning of the 22nd & she shared with me about Marty’s passing. Rick & I are deeply sorry for you losing the love of your life -AND- she was larger than life! One of the kindest & most caring people I’ve been lucky enough to meet. She was always so interested & engaged in our conversations. And that laugh of hers, unforgettable. You got a great one in her & I know this loss is so difficult. Come see us in Kansas. We love you two. Rest easy now, Marty.
Wayne & Janet Presson says
September 25, 2020 at 2:26 amJohn Janet and I want to extend our thoughts, prayers, and Condolences to you and your family at this important time.
All the Best, Wayne and Janet Presson
Wayne & Janet Presson says
September 25, 2020 at 2:33 amJohn,
Janet and I want to convey our sincerest thoughts and prayers for you and the Friend Family at this time.
Our deepest condolences. All the Best! Wayne and Janet Presson
John & Sharon O says
September 25, 2020 at 6:40 pmJohn, what a blessing your lovely Marty was to this world! We are so sorry for your loss and are lifting you and your family in prayer. John Michael and Sharon
Marty was born on February 24, 1950 to Leo and Jean Beckman in Evansville, Indiana. She studied to be a Special Education Clinician at Indiana State University, and later went on to help her husband John establish and flourish his accounting practice.
Marty was a bright light in this world, whose exuberant personality and generous heart was noticed by everyone around her. She was a loving mother to her three children, wonderful big sister to her siblings, an adored grandmother, and cherished friend to so many. She housed a number of exchange students and Evansville Otters baseball players, and always had an open door for those who needed it. Marty showed her caring nature by continuously providing a home full of life, especially around the holidays. Marty’s love didn’t stop with humans; she also had love to share with many dogs and birds throughout the years.
Marty’s passions included sailing and traveling, with fond times in Hawai’i,  the Virgin Islands, skiing adventures with John, and a recent trip to Maine with her girlfriends where her daily routine revolved around the fall foliage, discovering lighthouses, and indulging in lobster.
She loved playing the piano, was a talented painter, and spent hours reading and mastering her craft at crosswords and word games.
If Marty’s vocabulary didn’t dazzle a crowd, then her elegance and grace sure did. Always making time to socialize and support her friends, Marty loved to dress for an occasion where her style and charm invariably lit up a room.
Marty is survived by her husband of 36 years John Friend; her children Melinda (Steve) Pearce, Eric (Emily) Friend, and Lee Vida (Lee Jarvis); her grandchildren Peyton (Nate) Broadhurst, Ryan Magruder, Talula Friend, Sadie Friend, and Josephine Friend; her great-grandchild Aspen Broadhurst; her siblings Bob (Valerie) Beckman, Chuck (Cheri) Beckman, and Melody (Martin) Eastman; brother and sister-in-law Larry and Robbie Clark; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Marty was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, September 25th at Sunset Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place outside at the Lakeside Pavilion Gazebo at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 26th at Sunset Memorial Park. The service will be standing with chairs reserved for immediate family and those unable to stand. Friends and Family can also visit from 10 a.m. until time of service on Saturday.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Heart To Heart Hospice Of Evansville, Llc, an amazing organization that helped us through every step of this transition. You can donate at www.htohhfoundation.org  A Donation may also be mailed to : Heart to Heart Hospice 2532 Waterbridge Way Evansville, Indiana 47710