Martha Eleanore Cornelius

Martha Eleanore Cornelius, age 69, of Caledonia passed away peacefully in her sleep early Monday morning at her home following a long battle with COPD. Marty was born in Mt. Vernon on December 16, 1944 to William H. and Verna Lucille (Converse) Pruitt. She was raised by Cody and Nettie (Converse) Hartman and their children; Lois Jean Ledford, Velma Reinwald, William "Skip" Hartman, Norma Lick and Norman Hartman. Marty graduated from Harding High School in the class of 1962 and married Lawrence Eugene Cornelius on June 24, 1962 celebrating 51 years of marriage. She spent over 40 years working in retail service in Marion County with Sears, Guys and Dolls, Henney and Cooper, Marion Rent All, CVS Pharmacy, Scioto Shoe Mart and most recently, Lowes. Marty also spent many years involved with the Marion Ohio Kennel Club. She owned and operated Vin-Van's Kennel from her home where she bred and raised AKC registered Standard Poodles, German Shepherds, Basenjis and Shetland Sheep Dogs. Anyone who knew Marty knows that she was an avid dog lover and she passed that passion on to her granddaughter; Jessica who is currently enrolled in the Columbus State Community College's Vet Tech Program. Surviving are her husband; Lawrence, her two sons; Vincent Eugene Cornelius and Vance (Kimberly) Cornelius and her granddaughter; Jessica Renee Cornelius. If desired, memorial contributions in Marty's memory may be made to the Marion County Humane Society or the American Lung Association.