Elva H. Martin

Elva H. Martin, 98, resident of Brethren Village in Lititz, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 15, 2018. Born in Middletown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Samuel S. and Eva E. (Haar) Baer. Elva shared 59 years of marriage with Samuel E. Martin until his passing in 1999. Together they tended a large garden, traveled across the U.S., visited Florida in the winter, and played miniature golf with friends. Elva was a faithful member of White Oak Church of the Brethren. She was a homemaker and domestic worker for many years, tended market stands in Shillington and Broomall, and worked in the kitchen at Manheim Auto Auction for 15 years. In her retirement, she volunteered at Brethren Village and enjoyed reading, puzzles, and playing games. She also enjoyed crocheting afghans and making braided rugs for her family.

Elva is survived by her six sons: Jay, husband of Janice (Rohrer) Martin, Ernie, husband of Barbara (Heffner) Martin, Dale, husband of Joanne (Hostetter) Martin, Paul Martin, Ralph, husband of Bonnie (Brandt) Martin and Lee Martin. In addition, Elva is survived by 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Elva was preceded in death by four brothers: John, George, Samuel, and Archie Baer, and three sisters Mary Worley, Alice Painter, and Elva’s twin Anna Nixdorf.
Elva was also blessed with foster parents, the late Edwin and Lizzie Longenecker, and her foster siblings: Carl, Jacob, Elva Miller, Floy Kover, and the late Verna Copenhaver, and Ray Longenecker.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her funeral service at White Oak Church of the Brethren, 1211 North Penryn Road, Manheim on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 10:00 AM. There will be a viewing at the church on Friday evening from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM and again at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment in Longenecker Brethren Cemetery, Warwick Township. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may send contributions in Elva’s memory to White Oak Church of the Brethren, 1211 North Penryn Road, Manheim, PA 17545.