Martha M. Hyatt passed away on July 30, 2017. Born in Newton, MA on May 8, 1924, she was the daughter of the late Robert F. Miller and Esther Pratt Miller.
A New England native, she met and married her high school sweetheart, James R. Hyatt, on September 29, 1945 after his return from a WWII POW camp. During Jim’s service, Martha graduated from Colby-Sawyer Jr. College. She moved to Chambersburg from Pittsburgh, PA in 1957 with the transfer of Jim by the H.J. Heinz Co. to the Chambersburg plant.
Martha earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Shippensburg University. Her efforts with the first Pre-First Programs at the Chambersburg Area School District began at Stoufferstown School. Twelve of her teaching years were spent at the Thaddeus Stevens Elementary School with the pre-first program.
After retiring from teaching, Martha became an owner of the women’s apparel store known as The Little Shop, on North Main Street in Chambersburg. Upon retiring from retail, Martha became involved in a no-kill animal shelter. Her love for animals was evident through her works.
She was active in her community and served in many capacities. She served as president or on the board of directors with many organizations, including Totem Pole Playhouse, Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and the Downtown Chambersburg Board.
She is survived by her son, Robert Hyatt (Janet) of Orrstown; daughter, Alice Hyatt Hawbaker of Chambersburg; two grandchildren, Jennifer Hyatt-Meyering (Brad) of Parker, CO and David Foreman of Fairfax, VA; and four great-grandchildren, Olivia and Kaylee Meyering and Kassen and Ethan Foreman. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a great-grandson, James Chase Foreman.
A memorial service will be held in her honor at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 4, 2017, in the Letterkenny Chapel, 2171 Carbaugh Avenue, Chambersburg, PA 17201. Rev. Dr. Meagan Boozer will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to the Veteran’s Ministry, PCFS, 221 North Main St. Chambersburg, PA 17201 or to NETwork Ministires P.O. Box 442, Chambersburg, PA 17201.