Martha Kathryn Lumley

On December 7, 2025, Martha Kathryn Lumley was called to God and reunited with her beloved husband, Richard. Martha was born on September 10, 1940, in Donora, Pennsylvania, to Abraham Elias Ruben and Ethel (Gwynne) Ruben, whose love and encouragement shaped her lifelong devotion to music, education, and family.

Martha’s passion for music blossomed early in life. Beginning formal training at the age of eight, she quickly distinguished herself as a talented lyric soprano. She graduated from Donora High School in 1958, where she was deeply involved in music and theatre. In 1959, she received a prestigious scholarship to study and perform at the Syracuse University School of Music at the Chautauqua Institute in New York—an experience that propelled her toward a lifetime of musical achievement. Martha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Music from Grove City College in 1962, where she sang in the chapel and touring choirs and was a proud member of Theta Alpha Phi, the national theatre honor society. She continued her education at Duquesne University, completing a Master’s Degree in Vocal Music in 1966.

While pursuing her education, on August 4, 1962, Martha married the love of her life, James Richard Lumley, at her home church, Calvary United Presbyterian Church in Donora. The ceremony was made especially meaningful as it was officiated by her brother, the Reverend John Ruben. Their marriage of nearly 63 years was one of deep love, mutual respect, constant companionship, and shared adventure. In 1970 and 1971, Martha and Richard were blessed with two daughters, Kathryn Gwynne and Sarah Gail, who were the center of their world.

Martha touched countless lives as she dedicated more than four decades to shaping young minds and uplifting her community through music. She taught English at Meadville Area Junior High School, Chartiers-Houston Junior Senior High School, and later, Cochranton Junior Senior High School, where she taught from 1978 to 1998. She also shared her musical gifts as a professor at Villa Maria College and as a longtime voice instructor at Allegheny College.

Her most enduring musical ministry began in 1964 when she became Choir Director at Stone United Methodist Church in Meadville—a role she faithfully held for more than 40 years. She sang with the Meadville Chorale and the Allegheny College Orchestra. Martha also performed with the Erie Philharmonic during her years in Meadville. Over the decades, Martha provided private voice lessons to countless students and joyfully sang at dozens of weddings. The music she brought into the world is her lasting legacy.

Beyond her professional life, Martha embraced a wide range of passions. She and Richard shared a special love for antique auctions—traveling near and far, collecting her beloved camel souvenirs, forming close friendships, and eventually opening R&M Antiques and Restoration in May of 2000. Richard refinished furniture while Martha delighted in curating her shop, guided by her keen eye and appreciation for history. Martha was endlessly curious about the world, traveling with family and friends to Argentina, Italy, Germany, Austria, Prague, Turkey, Budapest, and Spain, to name a few. However, Richard preferred epic road trips to air travel, so together they created decades of cherished memories with the girls—especially at their favorite place, Oak Island, North Carolina. She was also an enthusiastic member of the local Music Club and Antique Clubs, a devoted coach’s wife, a proud swim mom, and later, a devoted grandma.

Martha and Richard resided at The Addison of Uniontown for the last several years of their lives where they were lovingly cared for by an amazing staff who treated them like family. Their daughters will forever be grateful for the compassionate care they received.

Martha is survived by her daughters, fellow educator, Katie Lumley (Kevin Breter) of Erie, PA, and Dr. Sarah Lumley (Gabriel Marte) of Uniontown, PA; her treasured grandchildren, Gwyneth Hamilton, Liam Pohl, Ian Hamilton, and Abram Pohl; her cousin, Elias Ruben; nieces Roberta Conklin and Martha Kashner; nephews Charles Kashner and Christopher Ruben; and her beloved dog, Cleo “Cinco.”

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband J. Richard Lumley, and her siblings Kenneth Ruben, John “Jack” Ruben, Abraham “Buzz” Ruben, and Mariam (Ruben) Kashner; cousin George Ruben; and nephew John Kashner.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Martha’s remarkable life during visitation on Friday, December 12, 2025, from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, and also on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 12-1 pm where Funeral Services will follow at 1 pm with Rev. Kendra Balliet of Stone United Methodist Church officiating.

Martha’s life was a testament to generosity, music, learning, and love. Her voice—warm, steady, and full of grace—will echo in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Amedisys Hospice of Uniontown, PA and The Addison of Uniontown (℅ Executive Director).

Share a memory or condolence at www.miznerfuneralhome.com