Patricia 'Tess' Marthaler, 71, former Ridgefielder, active in PEO

Tuesday, 27 October 2009 06:25

Patricia “Tess” Marthaler of Goodyear, Ariz., a former Ridgefielder, died Oct. 22, in Phoenix, Ariz., She was 71 years old.

Mrs. Marthaler was born April 2, 1938 in Des Moines, Iowa, and grew up in Delaware, Ohio, Park Ridge, Mount Prospect and Arlington Heights, Illinois.

She met her husband Marth at the University of Illinois and they were married in 1961. They lived in Chicago, San Francisco, Edina, Minn, Ridgefield, and Charlottesville, Va., before settling in Goodyear five years ago.

She was member of P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) for more than 30 years and was active in the chapter in Litchfield Park, Ariz.

She is survived by her husband and their sons, Todd and Tyler, and four grandchildren.

A “celebration of life” memorial service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 11 a.m. at The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be directed to: The P.E.O. Program for Continuing Education. Checks may be sent to: The P.E.O. Sisterhood, Attn. Treasurer, 3700 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312. Please indicate: “In memory of Tess Marthaler, Chapter ET.” Final arrangements entrusted to Thompson’s Valley West Funeral Chapel.