Gertrude A. Martz

Gertrude Ann Martz, age 85, of Atwater, passed away at UH-Ravenna on July 28, 2018 surrounded by her family following a period of declining health. Gert was born on April 1, 1933 to Thornton and Eva (Gaskill) Douthitt in Chaleroi, Pennsylvania. Gert was a graduate of Atwater High School Class of 1951. During high school she would meet the only love of her life, Frederick David Martz. The couple would marry on June 10, 1951. They were married in the Atwater Methodist Church where they would remain members of the church for life. They enjoyed 67 years together here on earth and will spend eternity together. Gert was a devoted homemaker. She and Fred were blessed with four children. She loved and cared for each of them and they have wonderful childhood memories. As the children went through school Gert was there for all the club, sporting and band events. Gert and Fred were active in church activities and sang in the choir. If you never heard Gert sing "How Great Thou Art" on earth then catch up to her in Heaven…..youll be glad you did. Just about every year Gert was able to save money for a family vacation. A trip to Florida to see relatives, camping at a state or national park or some other adventure made for some wonderful times. Family was most important and was the center of her life. When the children were older, Gert went to work for a father and son dental practice in Alliance, Drs. John and Randy Crawford. It was a family affair for many years with Terri and Jerri working alongside their Mom and the Crawfords. They have been lifelong friends and always a part of the family. Gert worked into her 70s for Dr. Randy after Dr. John retired. For Jerri and Terri, they learned how to do things the right way, or maybe sometimes "just Gerts way". Fred would become the Atwater Township sexton in 1968 and soon thereafter, Gert would become the Township Clerk. She served as Clerk for the next 16 years retiring in 1984. She was a dedicated public servant; always proud of her excellent audit ratings by the Ohio Auditor of State. Gert and Fred loved to travel. Their travelling partners were usually lifelong friends Gerald and Gretchen Loudin . They travelled throughout the United States over several years and abroad. Gert and Gretchen were the "Laverne and Shirley of travel" and always came home sharing their "misadventures". Gert was the family caretaker. If anyone suffered a tragedy or was ill, Gert was showing up on the doorstep. It didnt matter if you were in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida or anywhere else, you would know Gertie was on the way. She took care of parents and siblings in her home and their homes at lifes end. She never expected anything in return. She was truly a person who would give you her last dollar. She will always be remembered by those whose lives she touched, by her kindness, love, and generosity. Besides her husband Fred, Gert is survived by her daughters Debby Martz and Terri (Lee) Horning and son Kevin (Liliana) Martz; grandchildren: Marshall (Amie) Martz, Brandon (Nicolette)Horning, Katie (Nathan) Leigh, Jessie Horning, Adam (April) Loudin, Jenna Loudin, and Sarah Martz; step grandchildren Juan and Pablo Torres; great grandchildren: Dylan and Owen Martz; Makenna, Jackson and Hudson Leigh; Henrik and Baby Horning; Tucker and Baby Loudin; sisters, Sherry (James) Vence and Sandy Hamlin. Besides her parents Thornton and Eva, as well as Freds parents John and Sarah Martz, she was preceded in death by her brothers: Clinton, Tony and Richard Douthitt; sister Beverly Polozzi and a daughter-in-law Tami Martz, and most recently by her daughter, Jerri Lou (Jerry) Loudin, who passed away on May 7, 2018. While Jerris passing was hard on those left behind, what JOY in Heaven when Jerri greets her Mom; and for all of us, we should remember that Gert and Jerri both believe that "BECAUSE HE LIVES WE ALL CAN FACE TOMORROW." Friends will be received at the Atwater United Methodist Church, 6380 Waterloo Rd., Atwater 44201 on Wednesday from 5-8PM; where services will be held on Thursday, August 2, 2018 at 10:00AM with Pastor Ruth Roth officiating. Burial will take place at the Atwater Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Atwater Fire Department, PO Box 9, Atwater, Ohio 44201.