“When this life with its trials is over.

And earthly days are in.

The life for which God gave us breath,

In its fullness will begin.”

Taken from one of the more than 90 poems written by Viola Martin. She was the beloved and caring mother of four children and the wife of Harold W. Martin for 73 years. She was born in 1925 in Lancaster, PA, to Aaron and Bertha (Reynolds) Getz. She grew up in Witmer, moved to Blue Ball after her marriage and lived there until she moved to Fairmount. She celebrated her 100th birthday in May.

Vi fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming a hairdresser at the age of 36 while raising four children. She opened her first beauty shoppe in Blue Ball as a sole operator and maintained that shoppe for 37 years. She later worked as a hairdresser at Fairmount until she was in her 80’s.

She was very artistic, doing decoupage, theorem painting and oil painting. She painted on many mediums including canvas, slates, old irons, saws and coal buckets.

She also loved planting flowers and planted beautiful flower beds into her 90’s.

Vi had a great sense of humor and often poked fun at herself. She had a large repertoire of jokes and enjoyed telling them.

Vi started running at the age of 60. She entered some local running competitions and was always the oldest female running.

Vi and Harold traveled extensively. They were able to visit all 50 states, Canada and several European countries.

She is preceded in death by her husband Harold W. Martin and her granddaughter Heather M. Burdette.

She is survived by her children, Cynde Akers (Dewey), Jerry Martin (Mike Knaub), Jeff Martin (Karen Diem) and Chris Kettering (Rick), five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial contributions be made to Christian Fellowship Church, 758 Spruce Road, New Holland, PA 17557.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Beck Funeral Home, New Holland.