St. George, Utah - Martha Absher aka "Martie - The Jam Lady" passed away October 1, 2012. She was born June 8, 1935 to Daniel H. and Marguerite Bayer Lowmiller in Columbus, Ohio. Marties family moved to Unionville, CT where she spent her teenage years in a small community on the Farmington River fishing and skating.

Martie married Donald Findlay in 1954 and became a military wife for twenty years, raising four children as they traveled throughout the United States and overseas to Scotland, Japan and Spain. In the early 1970's, they retired to Clearwater, FL. After divorcing Donald, Martie married Tommy Absher on December 4, 1982 in Clearwater, FL. In 1993, Martie and Tommy moved to St. George, Utah.

She inherited her love for music from her father who played in an orchestra in the 1920's while working his way through college. She was very knowledgeable in all types of music, but acquired a love for the "Big Band" sound like her father played.

Martie was an athlete for the majority of her life. While attending Farmington High School, she was a lifeguard and received five medals in swimming. She later became a distance swimmer - logging over 500 miles. She was certified by the American Red Cross and CPR and was credited for saving a childs life. She worked as a Recreation Leader and Aerobic Instructor for the City of Largo, FL until she was 58 years young. She appeared in several commercials for the Largo City giving aerobic and physical fitness instruction. In 1984, Martie turned down on offer to do a weekly aerobic show on Tampa TV.

Martie participated in the Huntsman World Senior Games. She won 15 medals; including seven gold, four silver and four bronze. In 2009, at the age of 74, she was awarded her Fifteenth Year Ring.

She was an avid Utah Jazz fan and could "trash talk" with the best of them, especially the Lakers fans. She loved to fish; even baiting her own hook with night crawlers. She was very competitive but also a gracious loser. Whatever the task or project at hand, she always did her part with a smile on her face and an upbeat, positive and supportive attitude. She was a strong advocate for everything she was involved with; be it religion, marriage, family, friendship, sports or just life in general.

She was a wholehearted, kind, caring and thoughtful woman. In everything she did, she put herself third; after God and all others. Martie was a member of the St. George Community Church. She saw no strangers, only friends. Her love and friendship was priceless. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Rest in peace. God bless you, Martie!

Martie is survived by her husband, Tommy Absher of St. George, UT; children: Don Findlay, Jr. of Crystal River, FL, Randal (Jackie) Findlay and Laura (Ernesto) Andrade, both of Evansville, IN, Gary (Mary Lou) Absher of Austin, TX, David (Mary) Absher of Marin, NC and Marlin (Greg) Abbarno of Clearwater, FL; 12 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Barbara Ruthstrum; first husband, Donald Findlay; and son, Robert Findlay.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 5, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. George Community Church located at 95 South 800 East. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Martie to one of her following favorite charities: The St. George Community Church (435) 673-2302; The Hope Pregnancy Center, 427 West 100 South, Ste. B, St. George, UT 84770, (435) 652-8343; or The Youth Program at Verda First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 774, Evarts, KY, 40828, (606) 837-9716.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.