F. Larue Martz

F. LaRue Martz, 95, of Bedford Colonial Courtyard, Bedford, died Saturday, August 16, 2014 at UPMC Bedford Memorial Hospital. She was born on September 16, 1918, in Altoona, a daughter of the late LeRoy and Kathryn (Stover) Mensch. On October 28, 1938 in Greensburg, she married W. Wilson Martz Sr. who preceded her in death on September 17, 2001. She is survived by a daughter, Sandy wife of James A. Zembower of Bedford; two sons, William Wilson Martz Jr. married to the former Mary Ann Taylor of New Paris, Gary Martz and fiancée Jan Lesh also of Bedford; 12 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, and 16 great great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by a son Ned Martz, two sisters; Sara Wentz, and Violet Reilly.

LaRue was an executive director of the American Cancer Society for 29 years in Bedford County and served as Area Education Consultant for 7 counties with ACS.  She was instrumental in the starting of Girl Scouts in Bedford County.  She was a board member for 4 years on the Shawnee Girl Scout Council, Bedford Neighborhood Chairman for 4 years and was the recipient of the “Thanks” badge for outstanding service in Girl Scouts.  As a member of the Rebekah Lodge I.O.O.F. she was Bedford County Deputy Marshall for 12 years and also Past Noble Grand.  LaRue was a Chief Warrant Officer in the Civil Air Patrol.  She served as President, member of the board of directors and Parliamentarian of Bedford Soroptimist Club.  She organized and became the first president of the Fort Bedford Toastmistress Club.  She served on many committees in the County and Region. She won several speech contests including the International Speech Contest in Canada in 1979.  LaRue was a former member of the Centerville Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School for 17 years, was choir director and organized their first youth fellowship group.  In later years she became a member of the Bedford United Methodist Church.  After retirement she traveled with her husband in their camper and visited all the states but one.  They belonged to the Coachmen’s Club.  LARue was awarded the “Citizen of the month” by the Bedford Lions Club in 1973. She loved her family and will be missed by all.  She was truly the matriarch of the Martz family demonstrating the importance of serving God, showing compassion and love of life.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., at the Bedford United Methodist Church, with Jim Miller officiating. Burial will be private.  Friends will be received on Friday, from 2 -5 p.m. at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford. Those wishing may make contributions in LaRue’s name to the Bedford United Methodist Church, 132 East John Street, Bedford, Pa 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.