COLUMBIANA – Martha Jean Mercer, 89, passed away Monday morning, July 10 at Parkside Health Care Center in Columbiana surrounded by her family.

Martha was born on November 3, 1927, in Leetonia, OH, a daughter of the late Paul and LaRue (Longanecker) Witmer.   A life-long area resident, she attended Goshen College in Indiana and graduated from Youngstown College with a BS in Education.  Martha taught for 24 years at Fairfield School, which later became Crestview Local School.  She also helped her family start Catalpa Grove Farms in Columbiana. Martha married Thomas D. Mercer on June 4, 1955, and together they raised two sons.  She was a member of Grace Church of Columbiana.

Martha leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Thomas; her sons Craig and his wife Joanne and Paul and his wife Pam, all of Columbiana; two grandsons, Ryan (Shannon) and Ross (Jackie); and 4 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Robert Witmer, Dean Witmer, and Paul Witmer Jr.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Church of Columbiana, 140 S. Main Street, Columbiana with the Rev. Charles Ready officiating.

The family will receive friends from 5-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 12 at Seederly-Mong and Beck Funeral Home, 154 S. Elm Street, Columbiana, and also one hour prior to the services, at 10 a.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations may be made in Martha's memory to Grace Church of Columbiana Youth Fund, 140 S. Main Street, Columbiana, OH  44408.

The family has entrusted Seederly-Mong & Beck Funeral Home in Columbiana, Ohio with the arrangements for their loved one.

Family and friends are invited to visit www.seederly-mongandbeck.com to sign the guestbook or send private condolences.