Martha "Marti" L. (Mills) Smeltzer

Martha Louise ‘Marti’ Smeltzer

Oct. 9, 1952 – Feb. 28, 2017

Martha Louise "Marti" Smeltzer, 64, Hollidaysburg, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday at home.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of Nancy L. (Boland) Mills and the late Robert W. Mills. She married William J. Smeltzer II on April 11, 1974 in rural New Enterprise.

Surviving are her husband; her mother of Duncansville; four daughters: Emily McKee and husband, Eric, of State College, Eve Hauser and fiancé, Gregg Neu, of Martinsburg, Ellen Sollars and husband, David, of Duncansville and Erin van Rossum and husband, Damian, of State College; seven grandchildren: Zachary, Gracey and Samuel McKee, Megan and Cassidy Hauser and Madison and Delaney Sollars; three sisters: Francene Calvert (James), Diann "Penny" Haire (Dennis) and Sarah Miller (Harry); many nieces and nephews of two generations; and a granddoggy, Auggie.

She was preceded in death by her father in 1993.

Marti was a 1970 graduate of Hollidaysburg Area High School and received her RN from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1973. She was employed as an RN supervisor at Homewood at Martinsburg.

Marti was a member of Pleasant Valley Assembly of God.She touched the lives of many young people when she was youth group leader at West Loop Missionary Church. She also loved leading the church choir at West Loop.

Marti was a wonderful pianist and an amazing cook. She would be so excited for holidays or any excuse to host gatherings of family and friends, always cooking way too much. She was an avid reader and loved to encourage her daughters, grandchildren and grand-nieces and grand-nephews to read.She was her daughters’ biggest cheerleader.

Whether it was a choral or orchestra concert, or a softball game or cross country meet, she was their biggest fan. She continued that role with her grandchildren, encouraging them in their interests, attending volleyball and soccer matches, basketball and baseball games and school concerts and art shows.

Marti adored her loving husband of nearly 43 years.They met at the young age of 14 and knew they were meant for each other from the start. Bill adored Martha and would do anything for her, and Martha could never say "no" to Bill's big blue eyes. They especially loved vacations to the beach.　When they could bring their family with them, it filled them with the greatest excitement and pleasure.

Marti loved her family more than anything else.　She had a gift for making everything special, no matter how small. Her generosity was boundless.　She loved the Lord and was a witness to all she met of God's strength, goodness, love and blessing.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2017, at The Bice Memorial Chapel at Homewood at Martinsburg and from 3 until the 4 p.m. funeral service Sunday, March 5, 2017, at the Chapel, Pastor Rich Maher officiating. Private interment will be at Blair Memorial Park, Antis Township.

Memorial donations in memory of Marti may be made to Precious Life, 1716 12th Ave., Altoona, PA 16601.

Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.