Martha Ann Pelton, 81

Martha Ann Pelton, 81, passed away at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in Plattsburg, NY on Oct. 5, 2011.

Martha was born on April 26, 1930 in Rutland, Vermont the daughter of Camillus H. and Helen (Brown) Nelson.

Martha graduated from Granville High School. She also graduated from Smith College and Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in Boston. Martha married her high school sweetheart Dr. Paul C. Pelton, Jr. In addition to being a wife and mother, Martha worked with her husband at their optometry practice for many years. After Paul passed away, their daughter Marleigh McNealus took over the practice and Martha worked with her as well. Martha was a people person. She had a positive outlook on life. She loved talking with people, learning about their lives and sharing stories of her own. Martha was always very supportive of her children and actively involved in their lives. She was a member of the Manchester School Board, along with being involved in brownies and cub scouts throughout the years. She was also a member of the Kiwanis Club. Martha’s positive nature extended to her community caring as well as individuals. For many years Martha was a member of the Manchester Congregational Church, and most recently the Rupert Congregational Church.

Martha was predeceased by her parents, by her husband Dr. Paul C. Pelton Jr. in 1992 and by a son Thomas Pelton. Survivors are her two sons: David and his wife Carol of Stowe, Vt. and William and his wife Dana of Chazy, and a daughter Marleigh McNealus and her husband Jerry of Rupert, VT. She is also survived by a brother Tom Nelson and his wife Audrey of W. Pawlet, Vt., and blessed with six grandchildren: Nelson, Jack, Sydney, Julie Ann, Joseph and Paul, as well as several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Oct. 9  at the Rupert Congregational Church in Rupert, Vt., with the Rev. Mary Beth Hutchinson officiating . A reception followed in the church hall. Friends were able to call Oct. 8 at the Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church St. Granville, NY. Martha will be buried in Mountainview Cemetery in West Pawlet, Vt.

The family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation for the wonderful care their mother received at Holbrook’s Adult Home in Granville, and at Six Main at CVPH in Plattsburg. They would also like to especially thank Dr. Griffin for his part in making the end of Martha’s life more comfortable.

If you wish to make memorial contributions in Martha’s memory you may do so to the Rupert Church, Rupert, VT 05776.