Martha Mary Rebecca Sabo Skatula was born on July 29, 1926 in Sandy Run, PA.  She was born at home,  delivered by the family doctor.  She was the 7th of 8 children born to Michael and Anna (Wargo) Sabo.  Her siblings were Albert, Raymond, Arthur, John, Anna Mae, Martin (her twin brother), and Robert.  

The family moved to Freeland, PA and Martha attended schools there.  (Because her twin brother was “Marty,” she was Martha until nursing school.)  She graduated high school in 1944, then attended and graduated from the Temple University School of Nursing in Philadelphia.  She was recognized by the Dean of the Nursing School as an outstanding nursing student, and proudly cited her alma mater through the years with any doctor with whom she interacted.

Some of Marty’s special childhood memories included special times with her mother (who died when Martha was only 10), especially her mother’s special treats on birthdays/Christmas/Easter. She also remembers getting her mouth washed out with soap once for repeating bad words she had heard, sliding down the snow-covered hill in front of her house on an old door, and that her biggest problem in elementary school was having her not-so-studious twin brother in her class. Marty’s five older brothers served in WWII and she helped with food shortages.  She loved playing kick-the-can and Old Maid, taking Sunday afternoon rides with her father in the “rumble seat,” her saddle shoes, 10¢ double dip ice cream cones, 1¢ lollipops, and 2¢ Baby Janes.  Music was always a key part of her life, particularly opera/operettas, Glenn Miller, Lawrence Welk, and Jeanette McDonald/Nelson Eddy musicals.  Her favorite later-year memory was when her daughters made a special birthday cake at a friend’s house then surprised her with it.

Marty met Roman Skatula in Philadelphia and after a 4-month courtship they moved to Orlando, Florida where he was stationed in the Air Force. They married on January 24, 1953.  Four children joined the family through the years: Kathryn Skatula (Ali Olmo), Debra (Dick) Mason, Rick (Kim), and Mary Jo (Clark) Johnson.  Marty also had five grandchildren: Jordan (Brittany) Mason, Zachary (Elise) Mason, Adam (Amy) Skatula, Gretchen Skatula, and Sara Johnson;  and five great grandchildren: Harvey and Maxwell Mason, Zoe Mason, and Sam and Lily Skatula.  She was very, very proud of all of her children and their accomplishments.

Marty worked as a nurse in Sheridan, with service at the VA Medical Center, at Sheridan Memorial Hospital, and at Eventide Nursing home.

Her hobbies and interests were many.  First and foremost, Marty was a mother and homemaker.  She was a baker and cook extraordinaire. Many Sheridanites were lucky to enjoy one of her delicious pies!  She loved dancing - especially Polkas – playing pinochle (card club), attending musicals/opera/theater, and traveling.  She loved to draw in Junior High and was very creative/artistic.  She loved her beloved Big Horns, spending time hunting mushrooms and enjoying family and friends at various cabin sites.  As a child of the Depression, she became very skilled at making the most out of very little.  She remembers making kites out of sticks, newspaper, and glue and she mastered the art of washing Styrofoam meat trays, covering them with foil, and using them as cookie trays for friends.   She was quick to point out that her interests DID NOT include two childhood tasks - pulling weeds and picking huckleberries!

Marty was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church for nearly 70 years.  She taught Sunday school for 19 years, co-organized and co-chaired the TLC Prayer Chain for many years, and was active in the women's circle.  Beyond church, she was a charter member of the Carriage House Auxiliary, and was  active in the Sheridan Community Concert Association, both as a member and as president.

Following Roman’s passing in 2020, Marty moved to Bellevue, Washington to live with Debra and Dick for the last four years of her life. That home/family environment provided exceptional love and care, and the opportunity to enjoy many special celebrations with the entire Mason family.

Most importantly, in Marty’s last years while living in Bellevue, she continued to bless so many old and new friends with her amazing faith, extraordinary humor, and countless daily “Martyisms.”  She remained a faithful prayer warrior until the very end.  Marty leaves an extraordinary legacy of Faith, Hope, and Love to all who were blessed to know her.  

Marty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roman, her daughter, Kathryn, her parents, and all seven of her siblings.  She is survived by Debra, Rick, and Mary Jo and their families. She is also survived by her brother in law; Joe (Christine) Skatula, nephew; David Skatula, nieces; Patty Skatula and Stacy (Micke) Smallwood; and numerous other nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church at 11am on Saturday, September 28, 2024 with a luncheon reception to follow in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Trinity Lutheran Church, the Sheridan Senior Center Endowment Fund, or a charity of your choice.

Champion Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements. Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.

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