Obituary of Martha G. Beward

Martha G. Beward, 96, of Juniper Village, State College, PA went to be with her Lord on April 25, 2017. She was born in Vandergrift, PA in March 1921, the beloved daughter of the late Herbert and Bessie Duffman. Martha is survived by her children; Tamsin Crissman (Frank), Arthur (Nancy), Debora, and Warren Beward, Eileen Thomas (Robert); grandchildren, Erin, and Michael Thomas; and nephews, David (Odile), and Brian Duffman. Martha's husband of 73 years, Arthur, died in January. Others predeceasing Martha are a brother and sister-in-law, John Duffman (Rosemary); siblings, James, and Dorothy Duffman; and mother-in-law, Lillian Beward. Martha received her bachelor's degree in physical education from Penn State University in 1942. She went to teach in the elementary schools in Indiana, PA. She was facility secretary for 23 years at the Breazeale Nuclear Reactor, retiring in 1985. Martha was a life member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, and a member of The Daughters of the American Revolution. For more than 50 years, she was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and participated in the Sunshine Circle and Friendship Class. Martha held various offices in the State College Women's Club and was very active in the Drama Department. She dedicated 23 years as a volunteer to Meals on Wheels, and received a volunteer of the year honor. Martha was a planner, organizer, and doer – full of ideas and enthusiasm. She put her heart into everything she did: racquet sports champion, first chair trombonist, pitched and hit a softball to rival the boys, avid reader, played piano and organ and sang the alto parts, lifelong sports fan who cheered the loudest for Penn State teams and women's sports. She was a sought-after host for many dinners and events. She entertained people with her acting, humor, and presentation from memory of age-old recitations. Martha devoted herself to her family's well-being. She faithfully set an example of Christian living. Her grandchildren were her delight. A memorial service will be held at Juniper Village in the Willow Dining Room on Friday, May 26, 2017 at 2:00 pm. In respect to Martha's wishes, memorial contributions may be made to Juniper Village, Employee Gift Fund, 1940 Cliffside Drive, State College, PA 16801; or Grane Hospice Care, 104 Zee Plaza, North Juniata Street, Holidaysburg, PA 16648; or St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 250 East College Avenue, State College, PA 16801. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.