Martha Merrell Lytle

Martha Merrell Lytle, 91, of Fairview, died peacefully Friday, December 26, 2014. Martha was born September 8, 1923 and was one of five children of the late John and Minnie Merrell of Fairview where she lived her entire life. She was a lifelong member of Bethany Methodist Church in Fairview where she held many administrative positions over the years and helped write a history of the church. She enjoyed being a hair dresser for over fifty years and co-owned a beauty shop in Asheville with her sister Mary for many of those years. Martha was known for her tireless support of members of her large extended family. Martha married Vernon Lytle, of Fairview, in 1942. Martha and Vernon were married for 49 years before Vernons death in 1991. Martha was also predeceased by her older sister, Adelaide Lytle and her two older brothers: John and Elwood. She is survived by her son, Tom and his wife, Dayle, of Hopkins, SC. Other survivors include her twin sister, Mary Bobo of Fairview; her granddaughters: Robin (John) and Tiffany (Glenn); and four great-granddaughters: Catherine, Jessica, Lindsey, and Sydney. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at Bethany United Methodist Church, Fairview, with Rev. John W. Clements officiating. A private burial service will follow at the Bethany United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 PM Tuesday at Anders-Rice Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bethany United Methodist Church building fund: 212 Bethany Church Road, Fairview, NC 28730.