Sarah Jane Martin

Sarah Jane Martin, 83, died on August 12, 2024 at Fairmount Homes following a lengthy battle with COPD. Her husband of 62 years, Robert A. Martin, survives.

Born in East Earl, she was the daughter of the late John Jacob and Mary (Witmer) Martin.

Faith and church life were important to Sarah, as she worshiped at New Holland Mennonite Church for many years.

She held numerous jobs, including: several years as the head of bookkeeping at the former Blue Ball National Bank; cleaning offices, homes, and churches; and working for 35 years at Shady Maple Farm Market, serving as head of the candy department for several of those years. As an accomplished seamstress, she repaired clothing and also made dresses for a local professional. In addition to these activities, she still found time to plant a large garden, can the extra produce, and entertain family.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by four children: Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” married to H. Lamar Kennel, New Holland; Roberta Jean “Bobbie” married to Garl Maynard, OH; William Anthony “Bill” Martin, CO; and Beverly Angelyn married to Randy Rider, New Holland; 10 grandchildren, 5 (anticipating 2 soon) great grandchildren; and a brother, James I., married to Carol Martin, Ephrata.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Rebecca G. Bloom, and a brother, Aaron W. “Big A” Martin.

The family would like to acknowledge and thank the staff at Fairmount Homes and Hospice & Community Care for their tender care of Sarah Jane during her declining days.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at New Holland Mennonite Church, 18 Western Ave., New Holland, with Pastor Dawn Ranck-Hower officiating. Visitation with the family will occur following the service. Kindly omit flowers. Donations in her memory may be made to Fairmount Homes Sharing Fund, 333 Wheat Ridge Dr., Ephrata, PA 17522. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online remembrances and condolences may be posted at www.groffeckenroth.com.