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Martha Christena Stiers Crist

Martha Christena Stiers Crist, 98, of Allison Park, formerly of Oil City, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019, after a brief illness.

She was born in 1921 in Beverly, Ohio to Moses L. Stiers and Myrtle Stewart Stiers, then moved to Oil City.

Martha graduated from Oil City High School in 1939.

On July 22, 1950, she married Ross W. Crist, in the First Presbyterian Church of Oil City thereby beginning her family and extensive civic life.

Before and early into her marriage, she worked at the at the Oil City National Bank, where husband Ross was to spend his entire banking career.

As a member of First Presbyterian Church since 1933, she was an ordained Elder and Deacon. Martha was active in community work, fundraising with the March of Dimes Easter Seal campaign, and as president of the Presbyterian Home Auxiliary, president of the Oil City Hospital Woman’s Auxiliary, and a member of the of the Auxiliary of the Salvation Army.

An avid golfer of over 40 years, Martha enjoyed the Ladies League at Wanango Country Club where she last played golf at age 90. Martha was a doer. She effortlessly mastered the pursuits of her time; sewing, canning, refinishing furniture, cooking full meals most days including family camping trips. Her banana bread recipe is a family treasure. Store bought cookies did not have a place in her pantry.

Ross and Martha wintered in Naples, Florida for 28 years alongside many Oil City friends who followed their trek there.

The youngest of five, Martha was preceded in death by parents and siblings, Anne Dimeling, Thomas Stiers, Frank Stiers, and Mary Hutz. Her husband of 66 years, Ross, died in 2017.

Martha continued to make friends at her residential communities of Hampton Fields, and Cumberland Crossing Manor. Still a doer, she was active in bridge, card games, bingo and exercise class and mentored newcomers.

Martha is survived by her two sons, James Leroy (Amy) of Hampton Township and William Ross of Hinsdale, Illinois; grandsons Ross William Crist II of Dubai, UAE and Philip Hall Crist of Dallas, Texas; and granddaughters Emma Caroline Crist of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Emily Margaret Crist of New York City.

Her family is deeply appreciative of her life, her care of them and her love.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Oil City.

A private service will be held by the family.

Arrangements were made by John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227.

Please send condolences to https://www.johnfslater.com.

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