Martha Jane Lewis, 83, of Hobart, passed away surrounded by family on August 19, 2026. She was born August 27, 1942, in Gary, IN, to Emil and Martha (Toth) Yovanovich. Martha worked as a nurse at St. Anthony Hospital in Crown Point shortly after it opened, working in labor and delivery and in surgical pre-op and recovery for almost 35 years. Martha was passionate about her grandchildren and her cats. She was very artistic and filled her spare time knitting sweaters, painting, and crafting while listening to Elton John. She loved attending her grandkids’ sporting events, traveling with her family and was an avid reader.
Survivors include sons: Timothy (Traci) Lewis of Marlborough, MA, and Mark Lewis of Hobart, IN; daughter, Shannon Franko (fiancée Anthony McLinn) of Valparaiso, IN; along with 10 grandchildren: Sam, Max and Luke Lewis of Anthem, AZ, Natalie Lewis of Baltimore, MD, Olivia Lewis of Quincy, MA, Emily Lewis of Marlborough, MA, Jack Lewis of Bloomington, IN, Sarah Lewis of Portland, OR, Jake Franko of Cape Coral, FL and Sydney Franko of Indianapolis, IN; brother-in-law, Richard Brooks of Valparaiso, IN; numerous nieces and nephews, including Kim (Bill) Schuster, who showed incredible support and kindness to Martha in her final days. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John R. Lewis; son, John Patrick Lewis; and loving sister, Nancy Brooks.
A visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a memorial service beginning at 12:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be welcomed at the Hobart Humane Society and VNA Hospice of Valparaiso.
GUESTBOOK
We are very saddened to hear about your mother’s passing. She was a lovely lady, & will be missed by many people. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you. -Gina & Bob Huppenthal (Miner)
I am sorry for your loss. Martha left quite a legacy of children and grandchildren. May she Rest in Peace. -Jon Groth
I am so sorry for your loss. Martha was a beautiful person, inside and out. I loved working with Martha at St Anthony. She was a wonderful nurse. -Linda Smith
