Thelma L. Martin

Thelma L. Martin, 95, of Chambersburg, went to Heaven on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at Brookview Healthcare Center at Menno Haven. Born January 30, 1929 in Letterkenny Township, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Harry H. Witmer, and Annie Lehman Witmer. Her beloved husband, David H. Martin, whom she married on November 25, 1947, preceded her in death on February 21, 2019.

Thelma and her husband were farmers in their early life and the former owners and founders of David H. Martin Excavating. In addition to helping on the farm, Thelma worked at the dress factory in Shippensburg, as a housekeeper for Dr. Charles Bickle, and as secretary and bookkeeper for their excavating business from 1968 until 1988. She was a member of Chambersburg Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday school for many years, was part of Sewing Circle and also the Fresh Air Program which brought inner city children to stay with families in the local Chambersburg area during the summer. Thelma also volunteered at Menno Haven and the Chambersburg Hospital.

She is survived by two sons, Edwin D. Martin and wife Judith of Chambersburg, and David Henry Martin and wife Janet, of Shippensburg; her daughter, Charlene Gingrich and husband Brian of Chambersburg; daughter-in-law, Glenda Martin of Chambersburg; twelve grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Jeryl Martin in 2023; two brothers, Paul and Harry Witmer; and three sisters, Miriam Petre, Katherine Witmer, and Anna Witmer.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Chambersburg Mennonite Church, 1800 Philadelphia Avenue, Chambersburg, PA.  Menno Haven Chaplain Lori Witmer and Rev. Ronald Cook will officiate. The family will receive friends from 9:30 – 11:00 prior to the service at the church. Private interment will be in the Chambersburg Mennonite Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to the Menno Haven Benevolent Care, payable to Menno Haven, Inc., c/o Menno Haven Gift Planning Services, 2011 Scotland Avenue, Chambersburg, PA  17201.

Condolences and memories may be shared at geiselfuneralhome.com.