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Susan Kay Diethrich

Dec. 9, 1944 – Oct. 2, 2022

Diethrich

Susan Kay Diethrich, 77, of Martinsburg, died early Sunday morning at UPMC Altoona of a pulmonary embolism after her brief fight against stage four lung cancer that had been recently discovered.

She was born in San Antonio, Texas, daughter of the late Thomas J. and Sara K. (McKnight) Diethrich. The family relocated to Cabbage Creek in Roaring Spring after her father’s service in the armed forces. They resided with her maternal grandparents, Anna and E. Wilson Myers, before building a neighboring home of their own.

Susan was preceded in death by her sister, Sharon Kane (Diethrich) Snyder.

Surviving are her brother-in-law, David E. Snyder of Loysburg; a niece, Amy E. Snyder of Loysburg; a nephew, Adrian M. Snyder, and his wife, Kristin M., of Martinsburg; and beloved great-nephews and nieces: Paeden D. Logue of Woodbury, Jocelyn B. Welty of Mill Hall, Ella M. and Anna R. Snyder of Martinsburg, and Jasmine A. Welty and son, Asher T., of Martinsburg RD; as well as six first cousins.

Susan was a 1962 graduate of Central High School and attended one semester at Indiana University of PA before following in her father’s footsteps and beginning a lengthy career at New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. She retired as credit manager in 2011 after 43 years of service.

She was active in local community service and began volunteering for Martinsburg Community Library in 1976, both as a volunteer librarian and with their Friends of the Library program helping with fundraising initiatives. Susan also volunteered with the Central PA Humane Society where she headed their Spay Days Program for more than 20 years. She was a talented seamstress who created many award-winning quilts over the years and had actively participated in several local quilting groups in Bedford and Blair Counties. She also lovingly made baby quilts to be donated to newborns in local hospitals before COVID-19.

Susan was a lifelong animal lover and adopted more than nine rescue cats during her life. She also owned and showed at least three horses, including her favorite, Jana Ceniza, whose horseshoes still hang above her front door.

Susan enjoyed time spent with her family and close friends, caring for her current pets (Finley, Jeeves, Thomas and Ivy), sewing, hot coffee, a high stakes game of Scrabble or other board games, Penguins hockey and traveling. She loved reading a good mystery and was rarely found without a book in hand, but always figured out “who done it” before the book ended.

At the wishes of the deceased, there will be no viewing or visitation. A private memorial service and quilt display will be held at the convenience of her family and close friends. Friends wishing to attend may contact her niece, Amy Snyder, at 717-395-6632.

Contributions in Susan’s memory may be made to Martinsburg Community Library, 201 S. Walnut St., Martinsburg, PA 16662; or Central PA Humane Society, Spay Days Program, 1837 E. Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona, PA 16602.

Arrangements are by Todd T. Thompson Funeral Home Inc., Roaring Spring.

thompsonfh.com