Martha Belle Mench

Martha Belle Mench, nee Utley, 93, passed away on Thursday, October 8, 2026. She was born on May 3, 1933, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Robert Utley and Ester Belle Sherman. She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, James Dean Mench, and her youngest son Robert Bruce Mench (Jennifer).

She is survived by her sons, James, Michael (Deneen), and David Mench, her grandchildren, Christopher Rotman, Candace Mench (Chris), Brandon Mench (Brianna), KC Mench (Ryan), Jacob Mench, Camille Mench, Caitlin Mench, and Austin Conway as well as her 11 great-grandchildren.

Martha met her husband James through her future mother and father-in-law, for whom she worked in their family-owned store. They first fell in love as pen pals and married in March of 1953. Shortly afterwards, they began growing their family. During her husband's service in Vietnam, she was steadfast in raising their children and maintaining a loving, secure household through the challenges and uncertainties of military life. While he served his country far from home, she carried the daily responsibilities of family life with quiet courage, grace, and unwavering devotion. Her sacrifices may not have been marked by a uniform, but they were no less meaningful. She gave her family strength, stability, and a place of comfort to call home. After James retired from the Air Force and her children were older, Martha worked at Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts to provide additional support to the family. In her later years, she worked at Walmart as a greeter.

Martha, affectionately known as “Nana” to family and friends, was known for her great cooking, talented sewing, creativity, and extraordinary patience. She had a fun-loving side which was experienced during Mench Family Christmas football—no holds barred—which also demonstrated her fearlessness and her ability to keep up with the boys.

She was a woman of deep and abiding Christian faith, which guided her life and shaped her character. She lived with the assurance of God’s grace and hope of eternal life. Martha was a faithful member of Graceway Church in Melbourne, where a Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on November 14, 2026, at 11 AM. Nana will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Graceway Church in memory of Martha Belle “Nana” Mench.