Martha Ann Painter

MARTHA S. PAINTER STAUNTON, VA Martha Ann (Sis) Surface Painter, 86, of 1457 New Hope Road, Staunton, Virginia, passed away at her home in the presence of her children on March 5, 2014. She was the widow of Fred H. Painter to whom she was married for 68 years. She was born in Augusta County on September 15, 1927, the daughter of Laura Fitzgerald and John Albert Surface, Sr. Martha is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Ann Painter Spangler, two sons and a daughter-in-law, James Edward and Jan Jeffreys Painter, and Ricky Lee Painter. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Kara Spangler Rosenberg of Montpelier, Vermont, Katie Painter Falk of Annapolis, Maryland, Phillip Painter of Waynesboro, Virginia, Emily Painter Kaye of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and Erin Painter of Staunton, Virginia. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren: Asa and Abe Rosenberg, Pfeiffer and Oliver Falk, Emerie Painter, Charlotte and Margaret Kaye, Caden Painter, and Carly Beverage. In addition, she is survived by a sister-in-law, Ethel Baker, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was the last surviving member of her family. Siblings who predeceased her were sisters Bertha Gibson, Lillie Monroe, Ruth Coffman, Virginia Surface, and brothers, John Albert, Jr., Charles, and Delemo Surface. Martha had a lifelong devotion to her family. She loved preparing recipes that she inherited from her mother. The cookie jar was always filled with cookies for her grandchildren even after they grew up and established homes of their own. Reading and crafts, including sewing, crocheting, and knitting, provided hours of enjoyment for her. She loved knitting for her great-grandchildren. Throughout her many years of dedication to her church, she mentored other women, who met regularly to work on craft projects and helped to make several quilts. She worked in the family business, Painter's Roofing and Heating, and was a substitute rural mail carrier for a number of years. She was an active member of Annex United Methodist, where she helped establish a senior citizen's group. The family would like to express appreciation for the love and support given to Martha by the Hospice of the Shenandoah and the caregivers from Home Instead Senior Care. Memorial donations can be made to Annex United Methodist Church, 1570 New Hope Road, Staunton, Virginia, 24401 and Hospice of the Shenandoah, P.O. Box 215, Fishersville, Virginia 22939. Arrangements are being handled by Henry Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday at Annex United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held at Annex United Methodist Church on Monday at 1:00 p.m. Pastors, Russell Heinrich and Debra Copeland, will officiate. Burial will follow at Augusta Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be nephews Bobby Coffman, Steve Surface, Forest Surface, Wayne Surface, Jr., Eddie Surface, and Gary Wimer. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Baker, Gary Baker, Roger Baker, Kenneth Baker, Jeff Baker, Stephen Lambert, Larry Wills, Johnny Lane, James Lafon, Stephen Shull, Edwin Flesher, and Harrison Hite. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.henryfuneralhome.net .