Stella Mae was born November 21, 1907, in Knottsville, Ky., to Martin Spalding and Sarah Gertrude Bowlds Mattingly. She was one of 11 children. There were seven girls and four boys. Her life as a daughter of God began with baptism at St. William Church.
Her schooling began at St. William followed by years at St. Lawrence and finishing at Mount Saint Joseph Academy. September 8, 1927, found Stella Mae with 12 other young ladies beginning their journey as an Ursuline educator. On March 19, 1927, Stella received the Ursuline habit and the name Sister Martin Gertrude.
Her first teaching mission was at St. Romuald, Hardinsburg, Ky. For over 50 years, Sister Martin Gertrude taught the elementary grades and was principal in many places. She finished her educational career as school librarian. Her other school missions were all in Kentucky at Bardwell, Earlington, Louisville (St. Columba, St. James, St, Bartholomew, St. Margaret Mary, St. Leonard and St. Bernard), Flaherty, Raywick, Wax, Jeffersontown, Rome, Owensboro (Immaculate and Cathedral) and Mary Carrico in Knottsville. Sister Martin Gertrude loved all her missions and was loved by her students. She was known for being kind and generous.
Her kind ways and generosity continued into her retirement at the Mount. She helped peel fruits and vegetables, feed Sisters in the Infirmary, wash dishes, and mend clothes for other Sisters. She continued to crochet as long as she could. Sister Martin Gertrude was one of the charter members of the move into the new health care facility. It was a totally new experience to her to have such a wonderful room and things special to her. But it was also confusing and her health declined. She continued to retreat into a world of her own.
Sunday afternoon, September 18, 2005, word was received that Geraldine, her sister, had died. When told, Sister Martin Gertrude responded with tears. At approximately 6:45 p.m., Sister Martin Gertrude joined her sister Geraldine in a Mattingly family reunion with God their creator.
The wake service was held September 21, 2005, with Sister Cheryl Clemons giving the eulogy. Sister Mary Eileen Howard and Janice Clark spoke in remembrance. The funeral Mass was held September 22, 2005. Her remains are buried in the convent cemetery.