MARTHA L. (MECKEVIC) CRALL

Martha L. (Meckevic) Crall, 85, passed away December 27, 2022, under the care of her family and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Born to Catherine (Holda) and Roman Meckevic in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Martha was one of seven children. She is survived by her husband, Bill Crall; her sister, Clara Perez of Seattle, Washington, and daughters, Heidi (Russ) Blanchard of Oak Forest, Illinois, and Sara Crall (Nick Libby) of Hiram, Maine.

Martha is survived by many nephews and nieces, and her grandchildren, Zachary (Emily) Blanchard, Jessica (Isaiah Perez) Blanchard, Nicholas Blanchard, and her first great-grandchild, Kara Blanchard.

She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, Joseph Meckevic, Anna Richards, Margaret Sinesky, Helen Oelschlager and David Meckevic.

Martha was eight years old when her mother passed away and she credited her sisters’ efforts with her upbringing. She said she had the benefit of many mothers, including a woman who became a lifelong mentor and friend, Mrs. Stroebel. Mrs. Stroebel introduced her to Christianity, the Bible, and the church hymnal. Her favorite hymn, inspired by Mrs. Stroebel, was, “I Come to the Garden Alone.”

While attending Bethel Community Schools in Bethel, Pennsylvania, Martha spent summers in Niagara Falls under the watchful eye of her sister Anna. During high school and after graduation, she went to work for the Bethel High School principal as a secretary and met two other inspirational women, Lena Veelo and Miriam Goodrich, who provided her with motivation and served as role models that influenced her life.

In 1956, she joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Fort Dix, performing secretarial duties as assigned until her marriage.

On March 28, 1959, Martha and Bill were married in Galion, Ohio. Martha described Bill as the love of her life. Upon the birth of their daughters, the young couple decided it was most important for Martha to be a stayat- home mom. Martha committed herself to the role of wife, homemaker and mother, and said her daughters are the greatest accomplishments and proudest moments of her life.

Martha enjoyed quilting, sewing and working puzzles, and took every opportunity to participate in the activities and interests of her children. She enjoyed spending time with her family and swimming at their cottage in the Allegheny Mountains in Pennsylvania. For many years, Martha and Bill would meet Bill’s cousins, Suzie and Dick Hawkins, and Arleta and Norman Phenicie, and they shared many great memories over lunches at the Bucyrus Bob Evans.

Martha was especially proud of her work in support of her church in the Church Women United organization for more than 24 years. Whether in a leadership role or one of participation, her dedication to Church Women United was a big part of her life. She also was a very active member of the Elizabeth Circle at First Church Perrysburg and greatly appreciated her friendship with fellow circle member Nancy Slykhuis.

Burial will be private at Oakwood Cemetery in Bucyrus. A celebration of life will be held at First Church Perrysburg, 200 West Second Street, Perrysburg, on Saturday, January 28, at 11 a.m., with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Church Perrysburg and given through the funeral home.

Memories and photos can be shared on Martha’s tribute page at wisefuneral.com.