Martha A. Merryman Howland - Consistent with the way she lived her life, Martha fully enjoyed a deep relationship with God, family, and friends, right up to the moment when she passed away after a lengthy illness, Friday, December 6, 2013, at Lake Vista Rehab Center. Martha was blessed with recent visits from family and friends, especially her children from around the country. Martha was born in 1928 in Weirton, WV, graduated as salutatorian of her class at Weir High School and attended the College of Steubenville (Franciscan University). She was also employed as a bookkeeper for a real estate development and realty company. Among the other activities in her early adult life, she was the state president of her young Catholic women's sodality. In June, 1953, Martha married John Merryman and recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. After her marriage, she became a homemaker and mother. While the children were growing, she was active with various school functions. After the children were grown, she volunteered as bookkeeper for a charitable organization, and subsequently became bookkeeper/secretary at St. James Catholic Church. She retired in 1989 and became a volunteer in various charitable activities, including Eucharistic minister at Trumbull Memorial Hospital and White Oak Manor, as well as delivering mobile meals. Martha is survived by her husband, John; children John E. (Betsy) of Los Angeles; Michael of Los Angeles; MaryBeth (Jim Mayhew) of Baltimore; and Kathleen (Bob Battani) of Washington, DC; and four grandchildren: Hannah and Justin Mayhew, Alexander Battani, and David Merryman. Also surviving are four brothers and their families. Preceding her in death was her only sister Sr. Cecilia of the Servants of Mary. Calling hours will be at the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel from 3 to 5 pm on Monday, Dec. 8, and Tuesday from 9 to 9:30 a.m. A Funeral Mass at St. James Catholic Church on Tuesday at 10 am. Memorial contributions are suggested to your favorite charity. Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book and send condolences to the Merryman family.