Martha Jane (Bronger) Exely

Martha Jane (Bronger) Exely June 4, 1932 - Jan 9, 2023 Martha Jane (Bronger) Exely, 90, of Pleasure Ridge Park, passed away peacefully at her home Monday, January 9, 2023, while being attended by family members. Martha was born in Germantown (in Louisville), KY. She attended St. Vincent DePaul School and Mercy Academy. She met the love of her life, Joseph Edward Exely, at a friend’s party and were married September 30, 1950, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. They were blessed with four wonderful children, Karen Lynn, Joseph Wayne, Robin Leigh and Bruce Edward. She worked as a certified comptometer prior to starting a family. Martha loved her family very much and had always said she would do it (her life) all over again if she could; without changing a thing. She was a regular at the old Gremlins’ Corner, belonged to the same Bunco Club for over 40 years and was an active member of St. Paul’s parish. She was a member of St. Paul’s Young at Heart Club, a dedicated worker at St. Paul’s picnic, and a member of its Bereavement Committee. She enjoyed traveling with family and friends, gardening, canning, sewing, crocheting, working puzzles, reading, partying, going to St. Paul’s adoration, collecting and praying for people on holy cards, getting dragged on adventures with her sidekick Jess, and celebrating with her family. She loved Christmas and has always hosted a Christmas party for her entire family and friends. To this day, after decades of Christmases, the entire Bronger family continues to gather each Christmas. At the party, Martha has always loved helping Santa hand out gifts to the children. Martha traveled to St. Louis, MO often to visit Bruce and Leanne’s family for family milestones, their annual Fourth of July party, and their annual Halloween party. Her humor and charm were beloved by all her St. Louis friends, both young and old. She was known by many aliases including, The General (5 star), Sexpot, Sara Lee (due to her cooking), Grandma, and Aunt Martha to extended family. The family would also like to thank her niece and husband, Carol and David Herbig, for the many annual Aunts’ Lobster Feasts. As did her sisters, Martha greatly enjoyed and looked forward to them! She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, her parents, George and Helen Bronger, and her sisters, Rosella Young (Tom), Mary Boyd (Charlie), Dorothy Beyl (Chuck), and Anna Collins. Survivors include her four children, Karen L. Ender (Tom), Joseph W. Exely (Susan), Robin L. Exely and Bruce E. Exely (Leanne); her ten grandchildren, Joseph Exely (Nicki), Jessica Ender, Kristie Mudd (Stephen), Keith Exely (Brandy), Laura Lamb (Michael), Sara Ender, Tricia Ender, Jacob Exely (Candice), Melissa Zeller (Sam), and Amy Exely (boyfriend Jake Donovan); her thirteen great-grandchildren, Whitney England (Scott), Madalyn Exely, Brandon Mudd, Cody Exely, Lucy Exely, Ethan Mudd, Kaitlyn Exely, Kole Exely, Layla Lamb, Thomas Lamb, Anderson Exely, Ari Zeller, and Oliver Exely as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be from 2-8 p.m. both Sunday and Monday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway. Her funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul Catholic Church, 6901 Dixie Hwy., with burial in St. Michael's Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Home of the Innocents, Crusade for Children, Veterans or the charity of your choice in her name.

Martha Jane (Bronger) Exely

June 4, 1932 - January 9, 2023