Martha J. Hershberger

MARTHA HERSHBERGER

Martha J. Hershberger, 91, of Flemington, Pa., passed away on Oct. 8, 2025, at The Gatehouse Hospice in Williamsport, Pa. She passed after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, and even during this struggle it was obvious that Martha’s calling was nursing. Every day was difficult for her but every day she continued to comfort and help others who, like her, were struggling to find peace within their own minds.

She was born at Mount Sinai Hospital in Philadelphia and at the age of six months moved to Port Matilda, Pa., to live with her grandparents. Eventually she relocated with her parents, Almeda and L.J. Jeffers, to Pittsburgh, and eventually Johnstown, Pa.

She graduated from Johnstown High School. While in high school she met her husband, Ronald. She often told the story about how he picked her up for their first date in the truck he used to deliver coal every day after school. They married on Sept. 3, 1955.

Following high school, Martha graduated from the Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in Johnstown and she and Ron moved to Chicago where she worked as a nurse while Ron attended the Seminary. They eventually settled down in Spring Creek, Pa., and Martha began a long career at Corry Memorial Hospital, initially as an emergency room nurse, later as an ICU nurse and eventually as the Director of Social Services. She was instrumental in establishing a home healthcare program for Corry and the surrounding area.

She very much enjoyed her flower gardens and often spoke of trips with her grandmother to gather ground pine for wreaths at Christmastime and moss for flower arrangements in the Spring. She also enjoyed fishing, and for years traveled to Northern Ontario on fishing excursions. She was an expert quilter and a member of the quilt guild. When she wasn’t gardening or fishing, she spent her time quilting and teaching others quilting.

Martha J. Hershberger is survived by her sons, Ronald A. (Theresa) Hershberger, of Woolrich, Pa., and David M. (Missy) Hershberger, of Baden, Pa.; her daughters, Debbie (Ron) Ritter, of State College, Pa., and Kathryn Miller, of Marietta, Pa. She is also survived by her sister, Nancy (Daniel) Owens, of Johnstown, Pa.; eight grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ronald D. Hershberger, who passed away on Sept. 7, 2021; and two brothers, Harry and Walter Jeffers.

A funeral service will be held at Gedon Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, LLC., 320 Main St., Mill Hall, Pa., on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, at 2 p.m.

Family and friends will be received in the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the nurses and caregivers at Haven Place in Lock Haven and everyone that cared for Martha at The Gatehouse Hospice in Williamsport, Pa.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Martha’s name to Avery’s Pawsitive Change, PO Box 207, Corry, PA 16407

Online thoughts and memories can be made at the Gedon Funeral Homes Facebook page or www.GedonFuneralHomes.com.