Martha J. Thompson

Martha J. Thompson, 89, of Honesdale, our loving mother and grandmother, passed away on Friday morning, May 12, 2023 at Wayne Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Donald C. Thompson on August 9, 2011.

Martha was born on April 4, 1934 in Wilkinsburg, PA. She was the daughter of the late Paul M. and Mabel Ruth (Thomas) Mowry. Martha met Donald while they were both studying at Houghton College. Martha was pursuing an elementary education degree. However, her plans changed in 1956 when she and Donald married and Martha left college to help support Donald in obtaining his master's degree. In those early years, they lived in Buffalo, NY where their first two children, Lori and Phil were born. They soon moved to Ardmore, PA when Donald became the Director of the Presbyterian Children's Home. It was during this time that their son Bruce was born. In 1969, Martha and Donald moved to Honesdale when Donald accepted the position of Director of Wayne County Children and Youth. Always committed to her family, Martha stayed at home to raise her children. As they got older, Martha worked in the cafeteria at both Honesdale High School and Middle School. Martha was a faithful member of the Tabernacle Bible Church and presently had the distinction of being the church's oldest living member. She served as a Deaconess, and was involved in the AWANA program for almost 40 years. Martha also sang in the choir and was a Children's Church teacher for many years.

Martha is survived by her children, Lori Bunting of Mountville, SC, Phil Thompson and his wife Debbie of Beach Lake, and Bruce Thompson and his wife Kerry of Honesdale; thirteen grandchildren, Joe Bunting, Valerie and husband Raymond Cooper, Craig Thompson and wife Jessica, Pam Etter and husband Brian, Stephanie Swingle and husband Andrew, Matt Thompson and wife Lauren, and Natalie Parry and husband Matt, Caleb Thompson and wife Brianna, Bruce Thompson and fiance Erika, Emily Derrick and husband John, Mike Rumain and wife Lisa and Catherine Rumain; and 16 great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew Bunting; a sister, Janet R. Firster; and a son-in-law, Ray Bunting.

Memorial Services will be held on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at the Tabernacle Bible Church, 455 Grove Street Honesdale, PA 18431 with Pastor John Banks officiating. The family will receive friends and relatives on Tuesday, May 30 from 9:30-10:00 A.M. at the church.

A private interment was held on Saturday May 13 at Willow View Cemetery, Clifford.

Memorial contributions can be made in Martha's memory to the Tabernacle Bible Church, 455 Grove Street, Honesdale, PA 18431.

Arrangements are entrusted to Howell Family Funeral Home, Inc. Edward R. Howell, Funeral Director, 269 Belmont Street, Waymart, PA 18472. www.HowellFamilyFuneralHome.com