Martha Louise (Brooks) Riwitis

Martha Louise (Brooks) Riwitis was born at home on February 26, 1930, in Sevier County, TN.  She was the daughter of Rufus and Icy Mae Brooks.  She had four sisters Anne Dillard, Velma Newcomb, Mary Ruth Thompson, and Jean Newhouse who preceded her in death.  Her fifth sister Bobbie Payne still resides in Indiana.  She was also preceded in death by her three brothers, two in infancy and one Rufus Noel Brooks Jr. at the age of 17.  The six sisters were brought up in a time of hardships and grew very close to one another because of it.  They once lived on the grounds at Brushy Mountain State Prison, where their father Rufus worked as a minister. After his passing, they moved with their mother, who liked to go by Mae, to Knoxville, TN. 

In 1950 Martha met John I. Riwitis, the love of her life, who had come to the United States from Romania after WWII.  Nana, as her grandchildren called her, liked to tell stories about meeting Grandpapa.  She told the grandkids about writing him love letters during the Korean War and how he would smile at her.  Once John returned from the war he and Martha married.  After marriage, Martha and John had four children, Michael Riwitis (Patricia), Philip Riwitis, Helen Chapman, and James Riwitis (Rita).  They lived in Anderson, IN, and then moved to Muncie. 

Martha was a woman of faith and read her bible daily.  She loved to make afghans and crochet.  She had several grandchildren, Aaron Campbell, Amanda “Mandy” Riwitis, Justin Campbell, Christina “Christy” Riwitis Skeens, Rheannon Riwitis, Angela “Angel as Nana called her” Riwitis-Greiner, Jessica Undem, Matthew Chapman, and her namesake Audrey Louise Riwitis.  Martha also had several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Martha’s services will be held on Monday, June 27th at 1:00 PM at Parson Mortuary in Muncie, IN.  Friends and family may call at 12:00 PM prior to services.  A graveside ceremony will be held at Gardens of Memory as she is laid to rest next to her faithful husband, John.   

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