BOURBON -- Diane Alice Martin, 53, of East Jefferson Street, died at 1:20 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 2, 2008) in St. Joseph Regional Medical Center, South Bend, after a brief battle with cancer.

She was born Aug. 15, 1955, in Cadilac, Mich., to Walter and Laura (Elliott) Telgenhoff. On Aug. 28, 1971, she married Charles B. "Charlie" Martin in Niles, Mich.

He survives along with four sons, Robert E. (Jamie) Martin of St. Louis, Jason C. Martin of Kalamazoo, Mich., Thomas A. Martin of Urbana, Ill., and Brandon J. (April) Martin of Plymouth; two daughters, Stephanie A. (Matt) Robbins of Donaldson and Lacy E. Martin, at home; 11 grandchildren; and two brothers, Irwin Telgenhoff of Elkhart and Jimmy Hopper of Niles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Deborah Grant and Pamela Seidner; and one brother, Terry L. Telgenhoff.

Mrs. Martin spent most of her life as a cook or waitress in the restaurant business. She worked almost 20 years at Mundy's Restaurant, Plymouth, and most recently worked at Grandma's Kitchen, Warsaw, and Ma's Maid Service, Knox. She took pride in her home and family and was particular about keeping things neat and tidy.

Mrs. Martin was a member of the Bourbon United Pentecostal Church for nearly 20 years. She was an avid animal lover and enjoyed her cats, fish and dog. She loved a good debate, especially with her pastor, spent her free time reading the Bible and was never known to back down from things she believed in.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Bourbon United Pentecostal Church, 201 N. Bourbon St., Bourbon, and one hour prior to Monday's 10 a.m. funeral service at the church. Pastor Mark Cottrill will officiate. Cremation will take place after the service.

Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, assisted with arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the church. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.