Martha Lee (Cheatham) Hammontree

Martha L. Hammontree, age 88, of Fredericksburg, IN, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026. She was born on February 11, 1938, in Lenoir City to the late Rufus Cheatham and Margaret (Hicks) Cheatham.

Martha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph H. Hammontree Sr., and her siblings, Rufus Martin Cheatham Jr., Thelma Virginia Brown, Sharon Melissa Cheatham, Linda Sue Russell, Doris Ann Underwood, and John Edward Cheatham.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Joseph Howard Hammontree Jr. (Connie), Kimberly Diane Hammontree, and Daniel Scott Hammontree (Becki). Martha was a proud and devoted grandmother to Christopher Hammontree, Haley Copeland (Christian), Ryan Dodson, Megan McNichols (Michael), Allie Burns (Kolin), Connor Soultz, Caleb Hammontree, Emily Garland, and Lydia Hammontree. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Casen, Charlee, Cade, Nolan, Brenna, Emery, and Emmalyn. In addition, she is survived by her sisters, Janice Curl (Dennis), Debra Fleshman (Bill), and Minnie Jane Fougerousse.

Martha had a true zest for life and found joy in the simple things. She was an avid reader, gardener, and canner who loved staying active and engaged. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and word searches, and treasured time spent playing Bunco with her girlfriends and Rummikub with her children and grandchildren. She even took pride in weaving her own lawn chairs.

A wonderful cook, Martha was especially known for her delicious fried fish, fried potatoes, and hush puppies-meals her family requested time and again. She had a deep love for flowers, particularly yellow roses, red roses, and peonies. Martha found peace outdoors, often spending hours on her backyard swing enjoying the beauty of nature. She even enjoyed mowing her lawn on her riding mower, taking great pride in her home and surroundings.

In her younger years, Martha worked as a waitress and later in a factory, always demonstrating a strong work ethic and unwavering dedication to her family.

Cremation was chosen, with arrangements entrusted to Love Funeral Home.

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