Martha Joan Crites, age 91, of Worthington, passed away peacefully at 2:12 pm on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at her daughter’s house surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Worthington, IN on December 31, 1933, the daughter of Herbert C. & Berneice (Frye) Thacker.

She was a member of 4-H as a child and her group would gather milk weed pods that would be shipped off to be part of the parachute making process during WW2. She use to ride her bike from their Fairplay Township home to Worthington for her piano lessons and she attended Switz City School from first grade through 11th grade. Her Senior year she attended Worthington Jefferson High School where she heard other students comment that coming from Switz City School, she couldn'‘t be smart. She proved them wrong and finished at the top of her class. After graduating high school, she attended business college in Indianapolis where she studied to be a legal secretary.

On August 17, 1952 she married William Crites, who she met through a high school classmate. To their union was born a daughter, Deanna Lynn and a son, Duane William. Martha's first job as a secretary was for prominent lawyers in Sullivan. Later she became the bookkeeper for she and Bill's many business ventures which included Crites Trucking & Stone, PreFab Transit, Bloomfield Brick Yard, The Logging and Excavating Businesses. Martha & Bill were known for their beautiful garden and willing to share the fruits of their labor. Martha would spend many hours each summer canning and freezing the fruits and vegetables they raised.

Martha & family were active and faithful members for many years at Concord General Baptist Church as well as Worthington First Baptist Church. She also held many offices at the Calvertville Church but also in the association and national General Baptist level. She played piano at church and for many other events. For several years she was the piano player for the Gospel Strings, which played at festivals, services and other events. For many years she was a member of the local Home Economics club where she enjoyed meeting and visiting with friends and she was also Worthington Town Clerk for a few years.

She encouraged her children to do their best as they participated in band, 4-H and other activities. She empowered them in whatever way she could. She fondly looked back to the days she spent as a band booster and the friends she made working at event fundraisers. Many benefited from her baking abilities. She contributed to many pot luck dinners and tried to make a dish of something for families who were grieving a loved one or in need.

Martha is survived by her loving children, Deanna (Larry) Wall of Coal City and Duane (Cindy) Crites of Worthington; grandchildren, Daniel Crites, Jason (Christy) Crites and Matthew (Mandy) Wall; great grandchildren, Eli Crites, Evan Crites, Cooper Crites, Levi Wall, Lydia Crites, John Wall, Piper Crites and Louca Crites; siblings, Leon (Rita) Thacker and Sharon (Bert) Terrell as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William "Bill" F. Crites; granddaughter-in-law, Jennifer Crites and infant sister, Beverly June Thacker.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm at Welch & Cornett Funeral Home in Worthington on Saturday, July 26, 2025 with her grandson, Matthew Wall officiating.

Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association or to Gideons International through the funeral home.

Online condolences can be sent at www.welchcornett.com.