Martha Harth

Martha S. Harth passed away on Friday August 11, 2023 at age 84. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.  She was preceded in death by her parents George and Margaret Murrell, her devoted husband of 63 years James (Jimmy), and eldest son Danny Harth. She leaves behind son and daughter-in-law Kevin and Gwenn; grandchildren Briana, Nichole and Zach; great-grandchildren Taylor, Noah, Abbi, Kamryn, Emily and Christopher.      

Martha was the eldest daughter growing up in the 1940’s and assisted her mother greatly in taking care of the other siblings.  She continued this motherly trait throughout her life.  Her late sister Margaret (Peggy) Mills had some serious health challenges late in her life.  Martha tended to her every need the last few years of her life just as she had in their early childhood.  Martha loved all of her extended family but was especially close to her youngest sister Billie Frost and husband Clinton.  Billie and Clinton were by her side throughout the loss of husband Jimmy and every day thereafter including bedside on her very last.  Martha’s three brothers are George Murrell Jr. (deceased 2007), Albert Murrell (wife Jan), and David Murrell (wife Lynn).  She loved her brothers and sisters as well as all of their families.   

Martha had fond memories of being a William Fleming graduate.  She worked her entire life until retirement starting in downtown Roanoke at Heironimus department store.  She worked at her father’s butcher shop Murrell’s Finer Foods in Salem.  Her final employer for many years began as Salem Cable TV when it was first introduced and transitioned through Boothe Communications, Adelphia and is now part of Xfinity post her retirement a number of years ago.  She enjoyed working with Jim, Pat, Rick, Lynn and the rest of “her guys” during her lengthy career there.

After retirement she became an active member of Riverside Evangelical Methodist Church in Salem.  She described on a number of occasions how she knew she had found her church family when after attending the first time, she was greeted by name on her next visit.  Pastor Brian Gordon and the whole Riverside EMC church loved on her and taught her the good news of salvation.  She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and had comfort in the assurance that there is a place in heaven for her whenever she left this life behind.   

A service for Martha will be at Lotz in Salem on Monday August 21, 2023 at 10:00am.  The family will greet friends and relatives immediately following the service at Lotz.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to her church home to continue their great work,  Riverside Evangelical Methodist Church 1920 Lucas Street, Salem, VA 24153.