Martha Pappas

Martha (Marti) Jean Deputy Pappas passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Rochester, Minnesota after a long journey with Alzheimer's. Born January 19, 1948 in Warne, North Carolina, Marti was the sixth child of 12 children.

Marti spent most of her childhood in Gaston County, North Carolina, graduating from Dallas High School in Dallas, North Carolina before joining the US Air Force in 1967. While stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi, she met the love of her life, George Mitchell Pappas, Sr.

Even though George was from frigid Minnesota, Marti made the move to the cold north to marry the man she loved. They wed on Monday, April 28, 1969 in Mantorville, Minnesota. Their 56-year marriage was a testament to enduring love, laughter and unwavering devotion.

Marti attended dental assistant school in 1976 and practiced dental assisting for several years before pivoting her focus and talents to being a beloved Weight Watchers leader. She was a devoted mother and grandmother who found joy in ceramics, tending her vegetable garden and baking unforgettable desserts. Her positive outlook on life, infectious enthusiasm, and passion for helping friends and strangers alike are just a few reasons Marti's legacy of kindness and joy will live on in all of us.

Left to cherish Marti's memory are her husband, George, son George Mitchell Pappas, Jr. and daughter, Angela Pappas (Chad Oberg); grandchildren Anna Lott (Keith), Kimberly Ornellas, Kelly Ornellas, Brenna (Chase) Luebker, Lauren Oberg, Evangelia (Eva) Oberg; great grandchildren Preston Lott, Cameron Lott, Raelynn Lott and Adelynn Ornellas; sisters, Mary Deputy, Ruth Loeb and Annette Neal, brother Jonathan Deputy.

Marti was preceded in death by her parents Juanita Davis Deputy and Carl Henry Deputy; siblings, Freeda Moss, Fred Deputy, Jim Deputy, Kate Rathburn, Betty Williamson, her twin sister, Judy Stone and Geneva Buchacker.

While her absence leaves a great void, we take comfort in the promise that she is home in Heaven, held in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A funeral service will be held at 11am, Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church, 5905 Silas Dent Road NW, Rochester, MN. Visitation will be from 4-7pm on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial with military honors will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens, 1300 Marion Road SE, Rochester, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Pappas family. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com.