Ezra M. Martin, 97, formerly of Clay Township, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2011, at Landis Homes.

Born in May City, Iowa, he was the son of the late Elam and Lavina (Gingrich) Martin and was the husband of the late Edith S. (Witmer) Martin, who passed away on Nov. 23, 2002 .

He was a member of Indiantown Mennonite Church, Ephrata, where he served as a Deacon for over 40 years and was a Brotherly Aid Representative of the church. Ezra was a dairy farmer and enjoyed traveling. His interest in history and genealogy caused him to publish a book on the Mennonite settlement of May City, Iowa, his birthplace.

Surviving are six sons: Clifford R. (Joyce Denlinger) Martin of Bird In Hand; Nelson E. (Mary Shertzer) Martin of Bethel; Gerald E. (Carolyn Hostetter) Martin of Ephrata; Stephen L. (Betty Brubaker) Martin of Ephrata; Gilbert N. (Sandy Ginder) Martin of Elizabethtown and Calvin J. (Karalee White) Martin of Crawfordsville, IA; two daughters: Anna Elaine Martin of Landis Homes; and Joanne L. Denlinger of Strasburg; 18 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and sister, Vera Martin of Ephrata.

Besides his wife and parents, Ezra was preceded in death by two brother and 8 sisters.

A viewing will be held on Monday, November 28, 2011, from 6 to 8 PM at the Bethany West Chapel at Landis Homes, 1001 E. Oregon Road, Lititz. A viewing will also be held on Tuesday from 9 to 10 AM at the Indiantown Mennonite Church, 255 Indiantown Road, Ephrata, followed by the funeral services at 10:00 AM. Burial will take place in the adjoining church cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions in Ezra's memory may be made to Hospice of Lancaster County P. O. Box 4125 Lancaster, PA 17604 or to the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, 2215 Millstream Road, Lancaster, PA 17602.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata. Online condolences can be given at stradlingfuneralhome.com.

Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era 11/26/2011

Link to parents by Maurice Eby