Martha KREILING

KREILING, Martha (Marty) S. 1933 - 2017 83, passed away peacefully in Boise, Idaho with her son by her side on Thursday, January 12, 2017 after after a courageous battle with Alzheimers. Marty was born to Charles and Annie Sterrett in Grove City, Pennsylvania, one of four children. At the age 43, she married the love of her life Samuel Kreiling. She instantly became a mother to two children who she treated as her own. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Sam and Marty were married 39 years. They lived many years in retirement in Tucson, Arizona before moving to Boise. Marty graduated from Grove City High School, Grove City College, and Pitt-Zenia Seminary. Her career started serving the community at Valley Community United Presbyterian Church near Portland, Oregon and then YWCA Major Mission Fund and the Presbyterian Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. Her devotion and dedication to the work of the Presbyterian Foundation grew and strengthened the mission of the Church and inspired her colleagues. Though short in stature, she was tall in her faith and spread that passion to everyone she met. Marty loved the beauty of nature, and Mt Hood was one of her favorite outdoor places to view, hike, and ski when she was in the Portland area from 1958 to the summer of 1966. She loved opera for the drama, costumes and music, and she also loved classical music and jazz. She played the flute and her husband, Sam, played violin for for the Southern Arizona Symphony Orchestra (SASO). Both Sam and Marty were instrumental in building SASO membership. Marty's passion for chocolate helped create a chocolate club of close friends in Tucson. In her final days, she was still enjoying chocolate and family. Several friends and relatives visited Marty in Boise and one friend from 1957, Mary Finney, had a beautiful quilt made that had many memorable pictures throughout Marty's life. The quilt hung in her room at Ivy Place. Marty is survived by her husband, Sam; son, Scott (Cheryl); daughter, Amy (Roy); two brothers: Jim and John (Teresa); and grandchildren, Chae and Cole. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as treasured friends who were so supportive during her illness. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Bob. The family would like to thank Marty's loving caregivers at Ivy Place. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Valley Community United Presbyterian Church near Portland, Westminster Presbytery in Northeast Portland, Presbyterian Foundation, YWCA, or the charity of your choice. A small service will be held in January with family and friends in Boise, Idaho. Arrangements by BOWMAN FUNERAL.