Martha Elizabeth (Benson) Emhoff, 98, of Punxsutawney, passed away Thursday, August 10, 2017, in Hagerstown, Maryland.
She was born July 24, 1919, the daughter of Swedish immigrant, John (Johannes Bengtsson) Benson and Bertha Anderson.
On November 28, 1942, she married Jack Crossman Emhoff in Winchester, VA. He preceded her in death on May 30, 2017. Martha and Jack would have celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary this year.
She was a 1937 graduate of Punxsutawney Area High School. After graduation, she worked in the NYA office in Punxsutawney and later in Johnstown, PA. In later years, she worked at The Easter Seal Society and The Playroom in Punxsutawney.
Martha was a lifetime member of the First Church of God in Punxsutawney where she taught children’s Sunday school for 45 years and was treasurer of the Women of the Church of God (WCG) for more than 30 years.
She was a loving Christian mother who taught her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren to love the Lord through the example of the Christian life she led.
Her kindness and love was felt by so many family members, friends, and members of the community and there was always room for more at the dinner table.
She was well known for her rice pudding, baked beans, and the delicious homemade rolls and cinnamon rolls that she made and shared at the many family gatherings.
She is survived by four children; John Emhoff and wife Sally of Punxsutawney, Bruce Emhoff and wife Cindy of Punxsutawney, Karen Hollis and husband Ed of Middletown, MD, and Marsha Emhoff and Hallie Carlton of Punxsutawney. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren; Tracie Minich and husband Wayne, Dennis Emhoff and Tanga Hopkins, Michelle Gifford and husband Brad, Joshua Emhoff and wife Jess, Michael Emhoff and wife Michele, Susan Heitzenrater and husband Michael, Aaron Emhoff and wife Jade, Kevan Emhoff and wife Ashley, Scott Hollis and wife Kelly, Matthew Hollis and wife Jessi, Autumn Hollis, Thad Perry, Leif Perry and wife Kara; twenty great grandchildren; Heather, Zach, and Alexis Minich, Brandon and Ben Gifford, Eden, Averi, and Joel Emhoff, Chandler and Camden Emhoff, Sarah, Anna, and Corbin Heitzenrater, Lila and Abel Emhoff, baby girl Emelia Emhoff, due this month, Tyler, Peyton, and Nathan Hollis, Mason Murphy, Grace Perry, two great great grandchildren; John and Phoenix Minich.
In addition to her husband Jack, she was preceded in death by her silblings and their spouses; Oscar (Henrietta) Benson, Alice (Edwin) Emberg, Anna (James) Cowan, Ruth (Kenneth) Christenson, William (Betty) Benson, and Lillian Bumgarner.
Martha’s life exemplified these verses taken from Proverbs 31; “An excellent wife, who can find for her worth is far above jewels. She extends her hand to the poor and she stretches out her hands to the needy. She opens her mouth in wisdom, And the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. Her children rise up and bless her; charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a women who fears the Lord, she shall be praised”
Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at the Deeley Funeral Home, Punxsutawney, and from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at the First Church of God of Punxsutawney.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at the First Church of God with Pastor Greg Smith officiating.
Interment will be in Hopewell Cemetery, Punxsutawney.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of God of Punxsutawney, 23 Skyview Drive, Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
Online condolences may be made at www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was authored by DEELEY FUNERAL HOME INC., 33 HILLCREST DR., PUNXSUTAWNEY, PA 15767-2027.
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