Martha Elizabeth (Zook) Troyer, age 94, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2022, in Sarasota, FL.
A lover of music and nature, Martha was born and raised in Goshen, Indiana. At a young age, Martha began playing the violin under the tutelage of Edwyn Hames, Conductor of the South Bend Symphony. She shared her gift of violin by performing in many string trios, quartets, or as a soloist throughout her high school and college years.
Prior to receiving her BA in Music from Hillsdale College in 1950, Martha flawlessly performed a number of classical selections for her senior violin recital, including Franck’s Sonata in D minor, and Vieuxtemps’ Concerto No. 4 in D minor. While at Hillsdale, Martha was President of Sigma Alpha Iota, a National Music Honor Group, and President of Lamplighters, an elite group of young women who espoused high standards of scholarship, leadership, character and service.
Following graduation, Martha taught Music for K-12 in the Detroit area for one year before moving to Union City, PA with her husband John Warren Troyer. After John was killed in a tragic automobile accident, Martha married Eugene Troyer and later began teaching in the Union City School District. She obtained her Master’s in Education with an emphasis on Music from Edinboro University in 1972. Over her 25-year teaching career, Martha instructed Art, Music, Kindergarten and Third grade, shining her grace, light and knowledge on hundreds of young lives.
In addition to violin, Martha was also an accomplished pianist and organist, playing either instrument in weekly services at Beaverdam Mennonite Church in Corry, PA for over 20 years. With her beautiful singing voice, she also often served as Choral Director, leading the congregation in song.
Despite facing many personal tragedies in her life, Martha remained optimistic and positive, demonstrating and instilling Christian values through her deep faith. She was a wonderful, loving Mother to her five children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Her gentle demeanor, good humor, fashion flair, and loving heart will be greatly missed by all who knew her. When enjoying the serenity of the beach, the gentle rush of waves, a beautiful sunset, the sounds of nature, or the melodic strains of classical and liturgical music, Martha’s spirit will always be remembered.
Martha is preceded in death by her mother Mary (Yoder) Zook, her father Orie Zook, beloved husband John Warren Troyer, former husband Eugene Troyer, and daughter Sandra (Troyer) Kern. She is survived by daughter Pamela Swartz and spouse Steve; daughter Cynthia Troyer; son Brent Troyer and spouse Lynda; daughter Sonya Trezevant and spouse Charlie; son-in-law David Kern; grandsons Travis and Tanner Swartz; William McGarvey; Charlton and James Trezevant; granddaughters Mollie Kern; Lisa Pomares; Laura Miller and spouse Joshua; and great granddaughter Harlow Pomares.
A memorial service will take place Wednesday, June 15, at 11a.m. at the Jennings Farley & Seeley Funeral Home in West Liberty, OH, with interment following at Fairview Cemetery.