Patricia M. Martin

I, Patricia (Pat) McNeal (Alther) Martin, have been reunited with loved ones I've missed for so long, on Thursday, August 3, 2017 at my home with my husband by my side. Born Monday, April 26, 1948, my parents were Charles Richard "Dick" and Betty Mae (Byers) Alther. I was also the step-daughter of Kenneth Cooper, all of Chambersburg. I inherited many good traits from my father. My mother was always there for me and my step-father was my father in every sense of the word. My grandparents, Hume McNeal Byers (Poppy) and Ellen Janet Byers (Gaggie) of 43 Hazel Street, Chambersburg, were also an integral part of my life. My grandfather instilled in me a sense of worthiness and confidence. My grandmother was the epitome of all the comforting things associated with grandparents. Her piano playing inspired in me a love of music. I was so fortunate to marry my high school sweetheart and best friend of 50 years, Richard (Dick) Martin, on November 19, 1966. I will have loved him up to this day more than when we first met. Truly, with each year I have treasured him more. He has been loving, giving, kind, and the best companion God could have chosen for me to share in my life's journey. We were blessed with one child, our daughter, Beth, the love of our lives and my greatest pleasure. She is a strong, independent and a beautiful creation from God. Her venturing out on her own to achieve her dreams has been beautiful for me to witness. Although, I've missed living closer to her, we talk daily and have a connection that miles could not sever. I am also survived by my two lovely sisters, Beatrice Alther Mellott and Ellen Cooper Weaver (Nelson) both of Hyndman, PA. Together we experienced the ups and downs of life, learning the value of family and love. A number of nieces and nephews, all of whom I've cherished beyond words, were also a major part of my life. My nephew and his wife, Gregg and Sarah Mellott have amassed lovely memories and great times with me. Gregg has made me so proud and is a compassionate and loving creation. Sarah has been my listener, advisor, taxi driver, shopping pal and most importantly my trusted friend. Their son, Greggie, has always been like a grandson to me. His lovely wife, Katrina and their three beautiful children, Kylee Lynn, Kendall Grace, and Asher Elvin are a blessed addition to my life. Additionally, I leave behind many other close and dear friends who have been so very important in my life. Karen Paine (Wauls) reached out to me in 8th grade and we have been best friends since that day. Rita Kuhn Heckman and I have shared many laughable, tearful and beautiful times together. Judy Wenger Weller has been a great shopping buddy, court observer and dear friend. My church family has brought me much comfort and pleasure in my life. A member of Middle Spring Presbyterian Church, I proudly served as an Ordained Deacon and an Elder. A member of my CASHS high school graduating class of 1966 reunion committee, I have enjoyed reconnecting with fellow classmates. Retiring from Letterkenny Army Depot in 1996, I graduated in 1999 from Penn State Mont Alto with a degree as an Occupational Therapy Assistant. I was a learning support assistant for Shippensburg School District for over 12 years, retiring in 2012. Each and every child has left an imprint on my heart. I worked in the medical records department of Summit Cardiology during 2012. Finally, I was extremely fortunate to be hired as a Franklin County Courthouse employee serving as Judge Jeremiah Zook's Court Crier in 2014 to close out my employment career. I enjoyed watching movies, something I shared with my grandfather as a child, writing poetry, playing games, shopping, going to New York City, Myrtle Beach and visiting my daughter in Chicago and Virginia. I received many gratifying moments serving my church. I hope after reading this you understand how truly blessed I have been in my life. These blessings, I realize, have been from God and I am extremely grateful. The family and friends I leave behind have all contributed to my happiness on this earth and I pray they know the extent of my appreciation. It is truly my belief, my life was lived the way it was "Meant to Be." Professional services are entrusted to Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on Wednesday, August 9 at Dugan Funeral Home and Crematory, 51 Asper Drive, Shippensburg with Reverend James Richwine officiating. Interment will be in Parklawns Memorial Gardens. A viewing will be held at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, August 8 and Wednesday from 12:30 PM until time of services. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Ronald McDonald House, RE: Patricia M. Martin, 745 W. Governor Road, Hershey, PA 17033.