Martha Bess (Deal) Place, 86, of Richmond, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Reid Health Hospice, in Richmond, IN.

Bess was born August 10, 1939 to the late Robert and Faith Deal in Beavercreek, Ohio. She attended the Beavercreek School district, and graduated from Beavercreek High School in 1957. During her Freshman year of college, she met her future husband on a blind date set up by her brother, Bobby. They continued to date throughout college, and married on June 10, 1961. She put her career on hold when their first child, Evelyn, was born, and continued as a stay-at-home mom when their son, John, was born.

Always a student, Bess pursued an elementary education degree from Northern Illinois University, and graduated in 1976. During her teaching career, she taught pre-school, K-2, and the last 11 years of her teaching career, she taught third grade in Rochelle, Illinois. In 1987, she continued teaching and complemented John's ministry by leading numerous Bible Studies, as well as teaching Sunday School in churches they were called to. Bess also founded the Stephen Ministry outreach program in 6 churches, and was the continuing education instructor for the volunteers. Serving in this way and teaching others about the love of God was her passion.

Her talent for ministry, Bible Studies, and her love for her husband are greatly treasured. Bess will also be remembered for the love she shared through her cooking and baking. Many delicious meals were prepared by her loving hands. Bess enjoyed traveling and seeing many sights with her husband, family and friends. A European trip was highlighted with experiencing the outdoor theater presentation of the Passion Play, Oberammergau, the story of Christ.

Bess is survived by her loving husband John D. Place, two children, Evelyn (Jack) Nichols, and John David (Patty) Place; and five grandchildren. She also leaves behind special friends from Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and more recently, the loving chosen family from Faith United Lutheran Church in Richmond, IN.

A Celebration of Life for Bess will be held on Saturday, April 4 at Faith United Lutheran Church (4015 National Road. W., Richmond, IN) at 10 a.m. Visitation will be on April 4 starting at 9:30a.m. until the time of the Celebration of Life. Following the Celebration of Life, the burial service will take place at 12:15 p.m. at Beaver United Church of Christ (1960 Dayton Xenia Road, Beavercreek, OH). A luncheon will follow at the church.