Martha West Obituary

Martha Jean Ellis West

January 18th, 1934 - July 1st, 2025

Martha Jean Ellis was born at home on January 18, 1934, in Fairmont, WV to Lemma Ann Layman Ellis and Robert Dale Ellis.

She graduated as salutatorian from East Fairmont High School in 1952 before moving to Washington, D.C. to work for the FBI. She married A. Howard West on February 7, 1953. They raised their four children in Brentwood and Bladensburg, MD. Martha earned her college degree from Prince George's Community College. She retired from Sussman Podiatry and moved to Chestertown in 1989.

Martha enjoyed many adventures in her life. She took trips with Howard and her brother, Robert, to many places in the United States and destinations abroad such as Greece, Israel, Egypt, and Bermuda. Some of her favorite travel memories were the 5 years she was able to spend dog sitting in Hawaii with her daughter, Diane.

Martha spent her retirement traveling, volunteering with Hope Fellowship Church (including completing her first mission trip in her 80s), attending writing workshops at the Amy Lynn Ferris Senior Center, and tending to her yard and gardens. She cared for her husband and son, David, in their last years as they both succumbed to cancer and dutifully took over the role of servant to David's dog, Sierra. Martha spent daily time with the Lord and hosted a prayer group and bible study at her home.

Martha will be greeted in heaven by her parents, "Mother" and "Daddy", her husband, her sons Mark and David, daughter-in-law Ruth, son-in-law Patrick Kent, and grandson Robert West. She is survived by her daughter Sharon and her husband Ernie Dennison, daughter Diane Kent, granddaughter Rebekah West (all of La Plata, MD), granddaughter Rachel and her husband Pastor Timothy Davis of Chestertown, grandson Ernie Dennison, Jr. and great-grandson Ernie James Dennison of Delmar, MD, sister Melba Lough and brother Robert Ellis both of Fairmont, WV, nieces and their families Deborah (Kenny), Jeannie (Jay), Patricia (Jimmy), Beverly (Mark), Brenda (Duane), her extended Davis/Huff family with whom she became especially close, cousins, and many, many friends.

Martha's two greatest joys were her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and her family. She could write and tell the best stories. There is a rich legacy of generational knowledge and genuine faith for her family to inherit.

Martha was a long-time member and elder of Hope Fellowship Church in Chestertown.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the church's Building Fund: ctownhope.com PO BOX 579 Chestertown, MD 21620.