Martha Hardy Boettcher passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026, at the age of 93, surrounded by the love of the family she spent a lifetime nurturing. She was the beloved matriarch of a large and devoted family, whose door, kitchen table, and heart were always open.

Visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 PM Wednesday, May 27th, 2026, at Fort Benning Main Post Cemetery 6551 Legacy Blvd. Fort Benning, GA 31905.

Born on February 16, 1933 in Selma, Alabama, Martha lived a life centered on faith, family, friends, hospitality and love. She attended Auburn University and remained a proud and enthusiastic Auburn fan throughout her life. Saturdays in the fall were spent cheering “War Eagle” with family gathered around her.

More than anything, she loved being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Over the years, she welcomed many of them into her home during seasons of need, celebration, transition, and growth. Her home became a refuge, a gathering place, and the heart of the family. She especially treasured caring for babies and young children, and generations were blessed to be rocked, fed, comforted, and loved in her arms.

She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, sense of humor, unwavering support for those she loved and the special way she made every family member feel at home. Her legacy lives on not only in the large family she leaves behind, but in the countless everyday acts of love that shaped their lives. If preferred, in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to PAWS Humane Society or Columbus Hospice of Georgia or Alabama.

She is predeceased by her husband Col. Retired Henry “Jack” Boettcher, daughter Alice Skinner, son Steven David Howell, dad Hugh Miles Hardy, Jr., mother Alice M. Hardy, grandson David Buxton, son Bruce Boettcher, and daughter Sydney McGrew.

Martha is survived by her daughter Lori H. Young (Terry), step-daughter Leslie Taylor (Marshall), step-son Jay Boettcher (Terry) and Pups; Bo and Button, grandchildren; Jennifer Wampler (Ryan), Kathryn Harrell, Alice Buxton , Jackson Buxton , Debi Taylor (Derwin), Marshall Taylor IV (Chanda), Jesse Flowers (Kevin), Jake Boettcher (Dakota), Christy Boettcher, Zachary Young, Kristin Castro (James), and Natalie Young; 19 great-grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Though her family’s hearts are heavy, they take comfort knowing her love will remain with them always — in every gathering, every baby rocked to sleep, and every heartfelt “War Eagle.”