BEITLE MARTHA J. (MERKEL) Age 98, passed away on September 5, 2015. Born October 17, 1916, in Brookline, the youngest of 10 children, to Rosa and Joseph Merkel. After marrying Philip Beitle, Jr., in 1936, she resided in Castle Shannon and later retired to a farm in Butler (Petrolia, PA). Martha was a tremendous mother and homemaker who loved to polka, do crossword puzzles and played a mean game of Scrabble. She was preceded in death by her husband, Philip and grandson, Richard. She is survived by her only son, Roy (Gail) Beitle; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Visitation will be Friday from 1-4 p.m. at the JEFFERSON MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME, INC., 301 Curry Hollow Rd., Pleasant Hills. Funeral Service will be Saturday at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Presbyterian Senior Care, Southminster Place, 880 S. Main St., Washington, PA 15301 or to Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Gulf Tower, 707 Grant St., 37th Floor, Pgh., PA 15219. Condolences may be given at: www.jeffersonmemorial.biz Send condolences post-gazette.com/gb