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EUSTIS, Fla. -- Martha Elizabeth Khoenle, aka "Mert," 88, passed away Monday, Oct. 27, 2025.
Born in Warren, Martha moved to Eustis in 2009 from Champion, where she had a vibrant, yet nurturing, spirit as a dedicated homemaker and an active member of St. William Catholic Church.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her son, James W. Khoenle, who resides in Umatilla, Florida; and her daughters, Joan Elizabeth (Ian) Peabody and Jacqueline Lee Khoenle (Greg Bohonos), both residing in Eustis, Florida. Martha was a proud grandmother of three, Jannessa Olena Khoenle, Marianna Florence Bowman and Edward Arthur Cook; as well as seven cherished great-grandchildren, Alexis, Alana, Addison, Ryder, Noah, Kaitlyn and Claire.
She was also survived by her beloved cat, Sofi Rose.
Martha was predeceased by her beloved husband, James R. Khoenle; a brother, Charles (Margaret) Curtis; and a granddaughter, Kaitlyn Karlowicz.
A viewing did not take place, as Martha always said in her quick and pithy style, "If you won't visit me while I'm alive, then don't visit me when I'm dead."
Regardless, she will be interred in All Souls Cemetery in Cortland at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, where she will be lovingly reunited with her husband.
Family and friends are invited to attend the interment. Mert would be totally cool with that. She did request that all attendees wear brightly colored clothing or anything other than black. She always used to say, "No one is allowed to wear black at my funeral! I want it to be a happy memorial, not a sob-fest."
Her humor and spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
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