Martha Speer

Martha Jean Speer, 63, of Slippery Rock, a SRAHS graduate, and formerly of Harrisville, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 10, 2021, at her residence.

Martha was born Oct. 6, 1957, in Grove City. She was the daughter of the late William C. Stewart and late Sara E. Sutherland Stewart.

Martha was a member of the North Street Christian Church in Butler. She had been a dispatcher for the Grove City Police Department and a volunteer firefighter and EMS for the Harrisville Fire Department. She also worked at several different operating centers for Schneider National Carriers in Ohio, Tennessee and Pennsylvania.

Martha also treasured traveling with her Uncle Francis Sutherland, showing his very rare 1938 Minneapolis-Moline. They together shared many good times, made many dear friends that she remained in contact with even after his passing.

Martha loved music and, at the age of 14, started to play piano for the Forestville Methodist Church. When she moved with her employment, she continued to play for churches wherever she lived. This included Steubenville, Ohio; Memphis, Tenn.; Mechanicsburg, Pa.; and back home to the Harrisville Methodist Church, where she retired from her musical services. She loved music of all kinds, but really enjoyed listening to, singing and going to contemporary Christian music concerts the most.

Martha is survived by her husband, Kenneth W. Speer; her sister, Marilyn Sue Kay of Grove City; and Ken's son, Jeffrey Speer and his wife, Bethany, of Harrisville.

Martha was preceded in death by her sister, Jane Louise Stewart.

Speer — A celebration of life service for Martha Jean Speer, who died Saturday, July 10, 2021, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the North Street Christian Church, 266 W. North St., Butler, with Pastor Joseph Klutinoty officiating.

Burial will be private.

Arrangements are under the direction of William F. Young Funeral Home, 132 Main St., West Sunbury.

Online condolences may be submitted at www.williamfyoungfh.com.