MARTINSBURG - Belva M. Zehr, Spring burial with Pastor Ed Steckly will be on Saturday, May 11th at 1:00pm at Croghan Mennonite Cemetery.

Donations may be made to: Faithful Workers Sewing Circle, C/O Eunice Roggie, 5563 Woodlawn Avenue, Lowville, NY 13367

MARTINSBURG -Belva M. Zehr, 94, died peacefully early Tuesday morning, January 16, 2024 at Samaritan Medical Center.

Belva was born on December 15, 1929 in Croghan at the Idle Ease birthing home, the daughter of the late Alvin and Lena (Widrick) Lyndaker.  She attended Lowville Free Academy, and was proud to return to school to earn her GED. She married Kenneth John Zehr on June 6, 1951 at Lowville Conservative Mennonite Church with Rev. Lloyd Boshart, Pastor officiating. Belva was a home health aide for U.S. Care serving our local communities. She and Ken owned and operated a dairy farm on the Waters Road, eventually retiring to her current home in Martinsburg. Kenneth died on October 27, 2009.

She is survived by her four children, Michael J. (Cora) of Lowville; Allen J. Sr.(Pamela Roggie) of Martinsburg; Kathryn A. (Darren "Bump") Jantzi of Martinsburg; Beryl K. (Cindy) of Croghan; her son and daughter-in-law, Thomas "Jigger" Gerow, and Melissa A. Zehr; fifteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren; her sister, LeEtta Widrick; nieces and nephews.

Belva is predeceased by her two children, Linda M. Gerow and Douglas A. Zehr, her sister and brother-in-law, Rose Mary (Marvin) Roggie, and her brother-in-law, Norman E. Widrick.

Belva enjoyed gardening and sewing. She was an avid knitter, knitting caps, socks, and mittens for family members, community, and beyond.

Belva was an active member of the First Mennonite Church, New Bremen, where her calling hours will be on Saturday, January 20th from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.

A funeral service will follow at 3:00 P.M. with Pastor Ed Steckly and Rev. Evan Zehr, officiating. Spring burial will be in Croghan Mennonite Cemetery.

Donations may be made to: Faithful Workers Sewing Circle, C/O Eunice Roggie, 5563 Woodlawn Avenue, Lowville, NY 13367