Martha (Smoak) Ogle

Ms. Martha Smoak Ogle, age 86 of Durham, NC transitioned to eternal rest Sunday, September 28, 2025, at The Laurels of Chatham in Pittsboro, NC.

The Obituary

Martha Smoak Ogle, kindly known to her family and friends as “Marfey”, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28th.  Her partner of 36 years, Tilden Montant, was by her side at the time of her passing.

Martha is survived by her partner Tilden; two brothers, Jim Smoak and Guy Smoak, and four children, Don Ochsenreiter, Scott Ochsenreiter, Ginger Moss, and Kelly Johnson, along with their respective spouses: Kelly, Kim, Craig and Jon. Martha had nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Martha had a distinguished career in advertising in Greensboro, North Carolina, Lincoln, Nebraska, and Durham, North Carolina. She also was Director of Tourism and Public Relations for The Town of Ocean City, Maryland, before retiring and relocating to Durham in 2006 – an area which she loved and raised her four children.

In her retirement Martha was an avid reader, and, as an animal lover, had seven bird feeders and fed a dozen squirrels in her backyard every day. They, too, will miss Marfey greatly!

A Memorial Service followed by a Celebration of Life is scheduled for October 16, 2025, in Pittsboro, NC at Chatham Community Church.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Pittsboro, NC