Martha Wert Dale, 94, of the Oaks in Pleasant Gap, died Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at the extended care unit at Lock Haven Hospital.
She was born May 7, 1910 in Tusseyville a daughter of the late John B. Wert Sr. and Bertha G. Rossman Wert.
On July 17, 1931 she married Ralph H. Dale who preceded her in death.
After graduating from high school, Mrs. Dale attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
She worked as a secretary for Centre oil and Gas in Bellefonte.
Volunteerism was her passion and life. She served as a volunteer for the Bellefonte Hospital, later known as Centre community Hospital and now known as Mt. Nittany Medical Center for 20 years and was involved in the "Grey Lady" Red Cross Nursing Aide Course there.
She had a deep concern for the elderly, and devoted 40 years to volunteer services at Centre Crest Nursing Home in Bellefonte, serving as a member of the Centre Crest Auxiliary Board for 30 years, 6 of which she served as president and 8 of which she served as secretary. Her volunteer work there included writing letters for residents and reading to them, personal visits, providing treats, doing hair, playing stimulating games, assisting with Christmas events, parties and teas, playing the piano for sing alongs and helping with transportation of residents in and outside of the facility.
Continuing her concern and care for the aging, she served on the Board of Directors for Area Agency on Aging for 6 years. Martha also devoted time to them, serving as a piano player for the AAA sponsored Senior Center for 25 years, twice a month and on holidays and birthdays. In addition she served as a member of the nursing home committee for 6 years, doing on site visits to homes to evaluate if family qualified for home nursing.
Mrs. Dale was an active and vital member and part of St. John Lutheran Church in Bellefonte for 60 years. She gave unselfishly of her time to the sewing circle, visiting shut-ins and providing them bulletins, assisting others with transportation to the church. She served as a member of and secretary of the church council for 4 years, president of the church group for 20 years, a choir member or 30 years, Superintendent of the primary department Sunday School for 8 years and as an Altar Guild member for 60 years.
Martha did door to door canvassing to raise money for health drives with the Red Cross, March of Dimes, American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.
She was a member of the Bellefonte Woman's Club and Bridge Club, working in fund raising activities and promoting the annual Homes Tour.
She loved to spend time with her family and friends. She is survived by her son John L. Dale and his wife Martha of Wayne, PA; 2 grandchildren, John L. Dale Jr. of North Wales, PA, Jeffrey Dale of Collegeville, PA; 7 great Grandchildren, John L. III, Jeffrey Jr., Steven, Lauren, Matthew, Jaclyn and Molly; and 2 step grandchildren, Ian and Robins Anderson.
In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by her 2 sisters Mary Wert Trevorrow and Ann Wert Law and 3 brothers, Rossman, Kenneth and John Wert Jr.
A memorial service celebrating her life of service to others will be held at 11:30 Saturday, March 5, 2005 at St. John Lutheran Church, 216 N. McAllister St., Bellefonte, PA. Friends will be received immediately following the memorial service. Burial will follow in the Boalsburg Cemetery, Boalsburg, PA
In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the Martha Wert Dale Fund C /O St. John Lutheran Church, P. O. Box 116, Bellefonte, PA 16823
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com.