Velda Pulliam Martin

Velda Pulliam Martin, 94, passed away peacefully at Cedar Ridge health campus on Thursday, August 6, 2026, after a very long illness. “Vel” was born November 6, 1931, to the late Porter and Rella Dillon of Mayslick, KY. She was a graduate of the University of Kentucky.

Vel was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband of 23 years in 1973, the late Mr. RB Pulliam Jr., and her two eldest sons, “Trippie” and Dwight Pulliam. She is also preceded in death by her second husband of 49 years, Harold L. Martin Sr., Cynthiana, Ky, and two sisters, Joanne Setzer, Morehead, Ky, and Doris Middleton, Mayslick Ky.

Vel, who is lovingly referred to as “Motts” by her grandchildren and great grandchildren, is survived by her brother, Larry R. Dillon, Mayslick Ky, her two youngest children, Margaret “Leigh” Pulliam Geisler, and Bill Brent (Debbie) Pulliam of Cynthiana, Ky. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Andrea (Rob) Carpenter of San Diego, CA, Mary Geisler Domigan of Paris, KY, “Ginny” (Jed) Morris Frankfort, Ky, Dillon (Maija) Pulliam of McKinney, TX, Zachary (Fiance’, Holly) of Nashville, TN, Andrew (Elizabeth) Pulliam of Columbia, TN, and Adam (Adilene) Pulliam of Taylor Mill, Ky. In addition, she is survived by many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Vel enjoyed walking each morning to get her day started. She loved to travel and visited all but two of the fifty states, including national parks. She and her husband were also very active within their church, Cynthiana Presbyterian, for more than 40 years. Vel was an avid reader, it was nothing for her to finish a book in less than two days. She was like a magnet, where everyone was drawn to and just wanted to be near her. Vel was the glue that held everyone together. Her many family and friends will miss her dearly.

A service will be held in Vel’s honor at 1:00 P.M., Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Ware Funeral Home. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 11:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. Pastor Scott Robinson and Reverend Greg Kupar will lead services, and burial will follow in Battle Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cynthiana Presbyterian Church, 103 N Main St., Cynthiana, KY 41031. View and sign the guest book at www.warefuneralhome.com.