I have been going to too many funerals lately of great friends and I hope this will be the last KellyGram tribute for anybody in my friends’ and loved ones’ circle in the foreseeable future!

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of attending the funeral of Inge Martin “OMA.” She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to her fine family. She was born in Augsburg, Germany in 1939 and immigrated to the United States shortly thereafter. She married an American military man and they proceeded to have a family. She was one of the hardest working and at the same time most loving and caring people of I have ever had the pleasure to meet.

Our friendship began in my beloved Kroger on Forest Drive, and it only got better from there. She worked for Kroger for 30 years and we had many memorable moments together talking and chatting in the Kroger when I would go three to four times a week or on the telephone. Usually, she was manning her front-end desk position, so I always got to see her.

One memorable moment for me was when she retired at age 70. She called and asked me if I would help her fill her retirement paperwork and even though they did not require the services of a lawyer, I was more than happy to fill them out with her in my law office conference room. Interestingly her birth certificate which was required with the retirement package from Kroger was adorned with a swastika and that will probably be the only German birth certificate that I will ever see! When we had finished the paperwork and was ready to put it in the mail, she pulled out her handbag to pay me and I said, “Ms. Martin, there is no charge!” She just cried and hugged me in appreciation.

A loving and caring woman has gone to be with her maker. I only hope that I can be as kind and gentle as you were, Inge! I love you and will miss you dear friend!