Susan V. (Eagler) Martin, 75, of Needmore, PA, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Born January 8, 1951, in Altoona, PA, she was the daughter of the late Ray and Fosta (Melzer) Eagler.
Susan graduated from James Buchanan High School.
For more than 40 years, Susan worked as a custodian for the Greencastle-Antrim School District. Her years there became part of her family’s memories as well, with her children sometimes accompanying her to work and happily spending their time playing on the school playground while she finished her duties.
Susan was easygoing, fun-loving, and remarkably calm, with a fearless spirit and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Rarely seen without a hat on her head, she was affectionately known by her daughter as the “bear whisperer.” Bears occasionally wandered onto the porch of her Needmore home, and rather than becoming frightened, Susan would simply talk to them. Her love for animals and nature extended to all kinds of wildlife, with hummingbirds and butterflies holding a special place in her heart.
An avid hunter, Susan was known within her family as an exceptional shot. She treasured her property in Needmore, a place she considered her dream home, where she enjoyed tending beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She made good use of everything her garden provided and canned just about anything she could harvest.
Susan was also wonderfully talented with her hands. A skilled seamstress, she made many of her own clothes as well as clothing for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and needlepoint. Summers often brought another favorite family tradition, boating at Raystown Lake.
Through it all, Susan will be remembered for the calm and cheerful way she approached life. She was rarely angry, always relaxed, and simply enjoyed the people, animals, places, and everyday pleasures that made her happy.
She was a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.
Susan is survived by her beloved companion of ten years, Audie Maines of Needmore, PA; four children, Dawn Atherton Miller of Greencastle, PA, Heather Knable of Falling Waters, WV, Laura Welsh of Waynesboro, PA, and Lloyd Welsh, Jr. of Greencastle, PA; nine grandchildren, Logan, Jordan, Cassie, Konner, Alexis, Winter, Michaela, Chandelle, and Devin; six great-grandchildren; five sisters, Janice Kulp of Chambersburg, PA, Linda Starr of Greencastle, PA, Karen Swope of St. Thomas, PA, Cathy Hallenbeck of Greencastle, PA, and Brenda McCammon of St. Thomas, PA; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Stephen A. Martin and a grandson, Devin.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, 521 S. Washington St., Greencastle, PA, with Rev. Dr. A. Robert Cook officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Burial will take place at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Greencastle, at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.org.
