Janet Martin

Janet Catherine (Kipe, Hostetter) Martin went to be with her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. She was born July 31, 1926 to Omar H. and Catherine (Shank) Kipe in Waynesboro, PA. Janet’s whole life was centered around her love for Jesus and her family. She graduated from Quincy High School and shortly thereafter married her first husband, John R. Hostetter. Janet worked for many years at the men’s suit manufacturer in Chambersburg, which was known as the Stanley Company. In addition to working outside the home, she actively supported her husband on the family farm in Duffield. In the 1970s she worked closely with John in the start-up of the Chambersburg Farm Service.

After retiring from the Stanley Company, she continued her education by attending and graduating from beauty school. When she and John moved to Florida, she took classes in cabinet making, upholstery, and art. After moving back to PA in the late 1980s, Janet helped John build their home in Greenvillage. At that time she also began working at Menno Haven.
Three years after John’s passing, she met and married her second husband, Rev. Nelson Martin. As a pastor’s wife she worked with him doing countless visits and entertaining in her home. She will always be remembered as a wonderful hostess. She continued with her art and won several awards for paintings. She liked to travel and some of her most memorable trips were to Spain, Africa, and Russia. She had the most beautiful God-given smile and disposition. Since she had very little grey hair and her best friend, Pauline Clouser had pretty white hair, the two were affectionately known as “salt and pepper” in the Menno Haven community.

Janet is survived by her two beloved children, Joyce Cooper and Warren Hostetter (Kathy). She is also survived by 4 step-children, Yvonne Martin (Ken), Arvid Martin (Lorraine), Freda Witmer, and Twila Rhea (Richard). Janet is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Tawnya Schreiber (Hans), Tammie Miller (Tony), Scott Gilliam (Wendy), and Jennifer Burke (Matt); five great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren; as well as a number of nieces and nephews; and 3 sisters-in-laws.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Omar Keith Kipe, Rev. H. Frank Kipe, Alan Kipe, and Howard Kipe; and two sisters, Gladys Paulus and Lois Peckman. She is the last of her immediate family.

A graveside memorial service will be held Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11:30 AM at Air Hill Brethren in Christ Cemetery.

Janet’s family wish to express their great appreciation to the entire Menno Haven staff; doctor and nurses, care givers, dietary staff, therapy staff, laundry workers, and anyone else who contributed to make her last month and a half on this earth as comfortable for her as possible. May God bless you all!

Memorial contributions may be made to Menno Haven, 2011 Scotland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201.

Arrangements are entrusted to Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Chambersburg, PA.