Martha Elizabeth Curtis Dougherty

Martha E. (Dennis) Curtis Dougherty, 91, of West Alexander, PA, died at Continuous Care Center on Monday, January 5, 2026.
She was born in Martins Ferry, OH on August 27, 1934, the daughter of the late Harry and Edith (Loy) Dennis.
Martha graduated from Martins Ferry High School and moved to West Alexander upon her marriage to her first husband, L.D. Curtis, in 1957. They were divorced in 1974 and she was then married to J. Thomas Dougherty, in 1976.
After her marriage to Tom, she worked in the Washington County Controller's Office as an Assistant Payroll Supervisor until her retirement in 1999.
Mrs. Dougherty was an avid reader. She has written two autobiographies; BITS and PIECES, released in 1972, then re-released in 2007, and 36 YEARS LATER, released in 2007. She has also written two photography books, the IF ONLY I COULD TALK series, Volume 1 released in 2007 and Volume 2 released in 2009.
Her first love was photography, and beginning in 1979 until her death she exhibited and sold her photographs at numerous arts and crafts festivals in the tri-state area, as well as being an invited artist to participate in Art In The Round in the Washington County Courthouse each February and Art in the Garden, held each September in the Courthouse and the LeMoyne House Gardens.
In addition to this she loved gardening, especially her flower beds, and many of the pictures she sold were of flowers she raised herself in her garden. She was also an active member of the West Alexander United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Dougherty is survived by three children, Michael (Tammie) Curtis of West Alexander, PA, Andrew (Lauri) Curtis of Oakland, Maine, and Rebecca (Neal) Melvin of West Alexander, PA; two step-children, Linda (Dave) Marsh of Gilbert, AZ and Gerald Dougherty of West Alexander, PA; thirteen grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 30 years, James Thomas; and her sisters, Ruth Dennis Gross and Sylvia Dennis King.
Friends and family will be received on Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, at Kepner Funeral Home, 166 Kruger St. Wheeling (304-242-2311). A memorial service will be held at the West Alexander United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at 7pm, with Reverend Jake Judy officiating.