Martha Ruth Neeley Hitt

Martha Ruth Neeley Hitt departed this life Sunday, July 8, 2018, surrounded by the family that she dearly loved. Born on August 28, 1928, she is preceded in death by her husband, Stephen Glenn Hitt, a son, John Mark Hitt, parents Joseph Hiram and Ruth Ellen Pascal Neeley. She is survived by two sons, Stephen “Steve” Glenn Hitt, Jr. and William “Bill” Hitt, and his wife Gina, of Shelbyville; daughter, Joellen Hitt Mallard, of Shelbyville; daughter in law, Gina Hitt, of Murfreesboro; two grandsons, Jonathan Mallard and Justin Mallard; three granddaughters, Britany Hitt, Reanna Broadway, and Kali Hayes; five great grandchildren, Ethan, Reece, Serenity, Rosalee Mallard, and Harlow Broadway. Martha loved her family, her church, her friends, her extended family, and the staff and residents at Celebration Way, class members of the 1946 SCHS graduating class, and many more. She was a school teacher for 30 years and loved the kids and teachers with whom she taught. She was a devoted sixty-year member of Mt. Lebanon Methodist Church, where she held the position of treasurer for forty years. Martha was honored at the annual conference with the prestigious Denman Award for outstanding Laity Service. She loved taking cheese to the Bishop and the Superintendent at the Annual Conference. Martha was also a member of the Shiloh-Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Women, Wheel FCE, Retired Teachers of Bedford County, Bedford County Laity Club, Over the Hill Singers, Senior Citizens, and was a Pink Lady at the hospital. She volunteered at the Bedford County Nursing Home and held membership in Domino Divas. She loved to read and make crafts to sell at the annual UMW Chili Supper. Martha loved the Lord and kept an ongoing prayer list of people she prayed for on a daily basis. Martha picked up other elderly ladies for church on Sunday mornings and other events. Over the years, these included Daisey Kimes, Altie Prince, Alma Turner, Willie Sandlin, and more. She did not want them to miss the things they enjoyed doing. After her health declined, she moved to Celebration Way, where she gained another family. She loved the staff and residents, and was very appreciative of Shirley Wheeler, who comes and calls bingo at least times a week, and also makes cookies for the residents. Funeral services will be 2 PM Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel. Reverend Jack Carney will officiate, with burial to follow in Mt. Lebanon Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 4-8 PM Tuesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, or Building Fund, Retired Teachers of Bedford County, Bedford County Laity Club Scholarship Fund. Feldhaus Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Martha Ruth Neeley Hitt

August 28, 1928 - July 8, 2018