Shirley I. Martz

Shirley I. (Chappell) Martz, age 88, of Green Street, Danville died at her home late afternoon on Monday, June 21, 2021, after a long illness.

Born on September 3, 1932 at Geisinger Hospital, she was a daughter of the late Percy Clifton and Florence Mae (Fausnaught) Chappell. A lifelong resident of Danville, she was a 1950 graduate of Danville High School.

Shirley worked at Geisinger Hospital as an aide following high school. Over the years she also worked outside the home at as a psychiatric aide at Danville State Hospital, as an aide at Maria Joseph Manor and also as an egg candler in the Bloomsburg area.

In 1955 she was to married Dale O. Martz at Trinity Methodist Church by Rev. Herritt. They were married for 44 years until Dale’s death on Sept. 21, 1999.

Shirley attended the Mahoning Presbyterian Church for many years.

Shirley was a member of AARP and in her younger years her interests included square dancing and roller skating. Later in life she enjoyed the struggle of piecing puzzles together, classic films and an occasional horse race at Pocono Downs. She always enjoyed getting together with the whole family, whether it was meeting in an airport for a trip across country, taking a bus trip or just walking across town to a family member gathering. She also enjoyed her flowers and yardwork.

In addition to her parents and husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her youngest son Darren in 2019 at the age of 59; three sisters: Carol Lynn, Janice Haney and Marjory Chappell and by three brothers: Jesse Hartman, III, Carl Chappell and Dennis Chappell.

Shirley is survived by three children: Vickie Martz, Danville; Dale O. Martz, Jr., who resided with her; Valerie Martz, Danville; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters: Cindy, wife of Fred Reibsome and Sandy, wife of William Litchard, both of Danville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her favorite charities were St. Jude Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans Administration (PVA) and the ASPCA.

The family will celebrate Shirley’s life privately.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Roat-Kriner Funeral Home, 1133 Bloom Road, Danville.