Leola Ann Martinez, 64, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 17, 2022. A native of Columbus, Ohio, Leola lived a life of dreams and ambition. The eldest daughter to James Wheeler Mills and Joanna Gibson (Theodore), Leola married young and followed her heart across the globe, where she was introduced to the credit union business that would become a flourishing career. After spending a few years in Germany, Lea returned stateside and eventually settled in Texas, where everything really IS bigger, to raise her children and build her career. Leola was a busy working mom in a male dominated field ahead of her time. She never took no for an answer. She always believed when one door closed, another was opened, and if it didn't, then she would push until it gave way. She was tough and she was brave. She endured a lot in her 64 years on this earth, she persevered through it all. She is preceded in death by her parents James Mills (Alfreida) and Joanne Gibson (Theodore), the love of her life Alfred Martinez, her brothers Donald Mills and Joseph Mills and a few of her beloved cats. She is survived by her children Laura Carstens (Taylor) and Jason Wellman (Meagan) and her treasured grandchildren of whom she was so proud; Conor Carstens, Micaelyn "Mac" Carstens, Jaxson "Jax" Carstens, Jordan Amlong (Jonathon), Austin Wellman, Emily Wellman, her brothers Jessie Mills (Marcy), Archie Mills (Cherise), James Mills and Michael Mills(Tina), her sweet sisters Joann Shawver (Vernon) and Marshia Alexander(Michael) and too many nieces and nephews to count. She is also survived by her great grandson Casey James Amlong, who, although she never got to meet him, was so loved by her. To her friends and family she was known as Lea, but she was Nana to her grandkids. Her precious cat Mallory was well loved by Lea, and will live a happy life with the owners she hand picked for her. Leola was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved music, reading, shopping, games and her family. To those of you who took the time over the last few years to visit with her, help her and keep her company on occasion, your time with her was treasured by her. She will be missed forever by those who loved her. Friends may call on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 9:30 AM until time of service at 11:30 AM. Reverend James Blake officiating. Interment Lithopolis Cemetery. Cemetery Details Lithopolis Cemetery 4365 Cedar Hill Rd NW Canal Winchester, OH 43110 Loading map Previous Events Visitation JUN 24. 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (ET) O. R. Woodyard Co. Funeral & Cremation Services - South Chapel 1346 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207 Loading map Funeral Service JUN 24. 11:30 AM (ET) O. R. Woodyard Co. Funeral & Cremation Services - South Chapel 1346 S. High St. Columbus, OH 43207 Loading map