October 7, 1964 — March 22, 2025
We are humbled and deeply honored to share the story of Martha Anne Hanthorn—a woman whose generous heart and lifelong compassion will now ripple forward for years to come.
Dogs were a life-long passion for Martha
In May 2025, we received unexpected and powerful news: Martha had quietly and thoughtfully included Dogs for Better Lives to which to donate upon her passing. Though her name had not appeared in our records before, her final gift arrived like a letter from an old friend—gentle, heartfelt, and full of purpose.
Martha passed away at just 60 years old, having lived a life rich in service, adventure, and love.
Born in the quiet town of Saginaw, Michigan, on October 7, 1964, Martha spent most of her life hearing impaired, having suffered significant hearing loss at the age of five.
She grew into a woman dedicated to transformation and human betterment. Her brother, Jeff Hanthorn, describes her life as something out of a grand adventure—a journey led not by fame or fortune, but by empathy and care.
After earning her degrees from the University of Michigan, Martha’s path led her across the country: from the vibrant energy of Los Angeles to the serene corners of Gaston, Oregon, to the spirited heart of Seattle, to the southeastern charm of Tampa, and finally to Indianapolis. Her career as a clinical social worker reflected her values perfectly; centered on care, rooted in compassion, and always attuned to the needs of others.
Throughout her life, Martha was never without a beloved dog by her side. Her dogs were family—trusted, loyal beings who walked beside her through all of life’s seasons. When her health began to decline, her brother Jeff and sister-in-law, Sue brought her to Indianapolis. There, they shared one final goal: to find a mission that blended her love for animals, her understanding of living with hearing loss and her passion for helping people. After careful consideration, they found a perfect match in Dogs for Better Lives.
Though Martha never saw firsthand the lives she would touch through her gift, her impact will be profound. Her legacy will live on in the steady paws of our Service Dogs, in the growing confidence of those they assist, and in the independence regained by clients who once felt unseen or unheard. Her generosity will help bring trained Service Dogs to individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, children with autism, and professionals working in crisis and care settings—people who will now have a lifeline they never imagined possible.
We are forever grateful to Martha Anne Hanthorn. Her story, her heart, and her gift are now woven into the very fabric of our mission.
Martha, thank you for believing in a better world. Because of you, it is.
Do you want to leave a lasting legacy through Service Dogs? Learn more about becoming a member of our Guardian Society and access free tools for legacy planning.
