Martha Knouse Schaeffer, died at the age of 91 on October 6, 2017 at The Brethren Home, Village of Cross Keys, New Oxford PA. Her body was received by The Anatomy Board of Maryland for research and education.  Born June 12, 1926 in Gettysburg, PA she was the daughter of the late Roy D. and Rhea M. Knouse.  She was married to Philip B. Schaeffer October 22, 1948 until his death in May 2007.

Martha graduated from Westminster High School in 1943 and Hood College in 1947.  As a Charter Member of the Auxiliary of Carroll County General Hospital, for many years she served as a volunteer including the chief chaplain’s assistant.  Her other memberships included the Hood College Board of Associates, Woman’s Club of Westminster, and Carroll County Branch of American Association of University Women. In 1976, she was selected by the local branch of AAUW to receive a named grant, the organization’s highest honor. Grants are given in the names of outstanding AAUW members and are used for graduate study. She was selected because of her dedication and contributions toward the work of the AAUW on the state, inter-branch, and local levels. She was also honored by having a State Fellowship gift named for her at the annual State Convention of AAUW, Maryland Division. She served a 2-year term as state recording secretary, Status of Women Chair on the state level and president of the Carroll County Chapter.  She served on the Carroll County Board of Social Services, was a member of the Maryland Health Systems Agency representing Carroll County, and a volunteer member of the Maryland Health Claims Arbitration Board.  An avid reader and sports enthusiast, she enjoyed playing golf and was a television spectator for the PGA and LPGA as well as tennis, basketball, and football. She and her husband owned dogs, several Boston Terriers and a Welsh Corgi.  Formerly a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ in Westminster, she joined the congregation of Emmanuel UCC in Hanover, PA where she served faithfully as a member of the By-Laws Committee and Archives.

She was predeceased by two brothers, Roy A. Knouse and Robert E. Knouse, brother-in-law Richard C. Schaeffer Sr. and sisters-in-law, Louise Knouse and Martha S. Herting. Surviving are sisters-in-law, Charlotte B. Knouse and Clara V. Schaeffer, brother-in-law David C Herting, as well as nieces and nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, great-grand nieces and great-grand nephews.

A Service of Thanksgiving will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at Emmanuel UCC, 124 Broadway, Hanover, PA with the Rev. Russell D. Clark officiating.  Honorary pallbearers are: Linda K. Nolte, Gerald R. Knouse, Richard Schaeffer Jr., and Eric D. Disharoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to The Good Samaritan Fund at The Brethren Home Community, Village of Cross Keys, 2990 Carlisle Pike, New Oxford, PA 17350 or to Emmanuel UCC, 124 Broadway, Hanover, PA 17331.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME in Westminster, MD. 

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