Martha M. Gross

Martha M. Gross, 91, former Manilla resident passed away Saturday, October 11, 2008, at Waldron Health Cre Home. Born May 3, 1917, in Shelby County, she was the daughter of Roy and Missouri (Bentley) Bayless. She married Fred B. Gross on August 10, 1939, and he preceded her in death on June 23, 2000. Survivors include her daughters, Nancy (husband, Jere) Seitz of Greenwood and Susan (husband, William) Houston of Milroy; son, William Gross of Bloomington; sister, Lois Bayless of Shelbyville; brothers, Harry (wife, Lavina) Bayless of Fairland and Dick (wife, Georgia) Bayless of Rushville; grandchildren, David Seitz, Jeffrey Seitz, Scott Gross, Butch Gross and Angela Carney; and nine great-grandchildren. She also was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Penelope Carney; brother, Edwin Bayless, Paul Bayless, Bob Bayless and John Bayless; and sisters, Zelma Bayless and Elizabeth Dale. Mrs. Gross had been employed at the former Monte Glove Factory and Pittsburgh Plate Glass, both in Shelbyville; Jefferson National Life in Indianapolis; and co-owned and operated, with her husband, the Manilla Greenhouse. She graduated from Morristown High School. Mrs. Gross was a member of Homer Christian Church. She was an avid reader. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday at Van Pelt Cemetery in Waldron. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the cemetery, with the Rev. Roger Abraham officiating. Memorial contributions may be mae to the American Heart Association, 6100 W. 96th St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46278; or the library of the donor's choice.