Betty Ann Martin

On June 29, 2025, Betty Ann Martin of Manheim, walked through heaven’s gates into the arms of her loving Lord and Savior. Born in Lewistown, PA, she was the daughter of the late Daniel and Elnora Watts and was lovingly raised in Lancaster, PA by the late John and Rhoda Herr. She was the wife and constant companion to her husband of 69 years, Joseph B. Martin who predeceased her on February 13, 2023.

A graduate of Lampeter High School, Betty was an excellent seamstress, blue-ribbon baker, and a PA State Champion Showman, raising and showing baby beef projects as a member of the Lampeter 4H Club. She was also a member of the FHA at Lampeter HS. After graduation, Betty volunteered her time as a 4H leader, teaching her students sewing and bread baking.

Working alongside her husband, Betty helped establish Mountain View Farm, a dairy operation located in Manheim. There, Joe, and Betty raised their five children, eventually expanding the farm from a small tie-stall barn to a double-five milking parlor. When she wasn’t milking cows, you could find her volunteering in the community, cooking for fundraisers for the local fire company, sewing for Mennonite Central Committee, knitting hats for Patches of Love Ministry and cooking for Meals on Wheels.

Family brought so much joy to Betty’s life. She had a real knack for remembering the names and birthdates of all her family members, and never missed the opportunity to send a birthday card with a hand-written note. She enjoyed family reunions, cookouts, and playing games. She also took great joy in and attending the various sporting events, school programs and family celebrations of her extended family. Betty was a member of Jerusalem Church in Penryn.

Betty will be deeply missed by her children Karen Lehman, wife of Dennis Lehman, Manheim; Joseph Martin, Jr., husband of Joan Lapp, Manheim; Joyce Lehman, wife of Glenn Lehman, McAlisterville; Sue Ann Senter, wife of Scott Senter, Manheim; and Jerald Martin, Manheim. Her zest for life will live on in her 19 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren. She is survived by her half-sister, Sharon Engle. In addition to her parents and foster parents, Betty was predeceased by her siblings, Nada Navratil, Nelson Watts, Melvin Watts, Robert Watts, Vivian Ware and Rosalynn Kemberling, a foster brother, Donald Garman, as well as two grandchildren, Lydia Martin and Mike Lehman.

The family is deeply grateful for the kind and compassionate care Betty received from the staff at Pleasant View Communities.

The family would like to welcome friends and family to a viewing and to meet the family at the Hoffer Auditorium at Pleasant View Communities, 544 N. Penryn Road, Manheim on July 16, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 PM and on July 17, 2025 from 9:00-10:00 AM. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the Hoffer Auditorium at Pleasant View Communities July 17, 2025 beginning at 10:00 AM. Internment at the Hernley Mennonite Cemetery will immediately follow the service. In memory of Betty’s life, donations may be made to the Manheim Meals on Wheels, 140 N. Penn Street, Manheim, PA 17545.