Martha N. Sandagata

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Martha Sandagata

How do you put into words the measure of a life? A life so full, so varied. Defined by great joy and hardship, life and loss. A life measured by those she touched through her deep, giving kindness … that was her legacy.

The beautiful soul of Martha Negus Fellows Sandagata left this earth on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. Born January 30, 1936, in Hopedale, Ohio, she was 89 years old.

What a life she had. Born to Rose (Miller) and Edward Negus, she was a devoted granddaughter to Myrtle Miller, whom she credited with raising her as the intelligent, compassionate woman she was. She loved her family and friends fiercely and, when needed, was their counselor and advocate. She was an avid reader and gardener. She knew how to barter at yard sales, savored travel, and her Florida get-away was her happy place. Laughter and people brought her great joy.

At 18, she married Ray Curtis Fellows (deceased) of Bloomingdale, Ohio. Together they had four children, Mark Edward who died at birth at the US Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC, Susan Myra Fellows Crabtree (Scott), Mitchell Ray Fellows (Jill Foster) and Edward Joseph “Chip” Fellows (Teresa Furay). In the early years, the family lived in North Carolina and Tennessee, but most of their married life was spent in Hopedale. There she worked as the school librarian. Her children were the rock of her life, and her love and devotion for them was endless.

After her marriage with Ray ended, she met and married Roy Sandagata. They lived in Buckeye Lake, Ohio, and were foster parents for many years. Martha was president of the Buckeye Lake Area Civic Association from 1994-97. In that time, she worked with the state of Ohio on behalf of Buckeye Lake, managed the tourism office and led the Buckeye Lake Tour of Homes. In her 60s, she worked in residential care for a mental health group home for women. Following Roy’s death in 2004, Martha moved to Thornville, Ohio, where she resided until her death.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, Sarah Crabtree Perez (JJ), Catherine Crabtree (Morgan Sabia), Edward Fellows (Lo), Jenny Fellows Bosley (Damian), Madison Fellows and Anna Fellows. She has nine great grandchildren: Elena, Esme and Jose Perez; Jack and Luke Fellows; Oona and Marlo Sabia; and Dawes and Maeva Bosley. 

The family will have a private Celebration of Life, and her ashes will be buried at the Miller/Negus family plot in Greenwood Cemetery in Hopedale, Ohio. Those wishing to honor Martha’s memory may make donations to the new Hopedale Museum in care of the Hopedale Village Project; PO Box 467; Hopedale, Ohio 43976. 

www.jefosterfh.com

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