Martha J. Rotz
Martha J. Rotz, 103+ years young, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, November 5, 2021. Remarkably healthy, spry and incredibly sweet and loving to the end, she touched the hearts of so many family, friends and caregivers who loved her deeply and will miss her dearly.
Born in Juniata, to Paul and Ruth McClain, Martha grew up in a nurturing and stable home with her parents, her sisters, Naomi and Joann, and brother Paul. She often shared cherished memories and stories of her happy yet simple childhood.
In 1940 she met Carl Rotz from nearby Altoona, who would become her husband for the next 70+ years. Carl joined the Army and later became an officer. Moving frequently, their more memorable duty stations were Heidelberg, Germany, the Washington D.C. area, and Anchorage, Alaska.
In her “spare” time between raising three children, she enjoyed bowling, a little skiing, and the life events associated with being a military officer’s spouse. When Carl retired as a Colonel after 30 years of service, he started his new career as business manager of W&J College, living in Peters Township and then moving to their current residence in Washington.
Bowling and especially golf now became her most avid passions along with becoming an ardent Steelers and Pirates fan. After Carl retired from W&J, they immensely enjoyed cruising to many destinations, golf outings with friends, and visiting their children and grandchildren in California. Her life’s journey from the days of the Ford Model T to the Tesla Model Y, was truly full of memorable experiences. She was blessed with a long and very happy life!
Deceased are her husband, Carl, sisters, Naomi and Joann, brother, Paul; and daughter-in-law, Marie.
Surviving are her children, Douglas, Karen (Ken Bullock), and Deborah (Larry Fandel); and three grandchildren, Kristi Bullock, Kelly Bullock Aven (Joseph), and Keith Bullock; and two great-grandchildren, Mason and Parker Aven.
Heartfelt thanks, and gratitude to those at The Caring Mission and Gateway Hospice that extended compassionate and loving care above and beyond our expectations.
A celebration of her life will be held at 12:30 p.m., November 30, 2021, in the Hummell & Jones Funeral Home, 420 Locust Avenue, Washington, Douglas M. Jones, supervisor, Dr. Lawrence K. Donovan, director. Interment will follow in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be left at www.hummellandjones.com.