FIDLER, Martha Bierne Wachsmuth of Wellfords Wharf, Va., passed away Wednesday Oct 26th 2016 from a hard fight with a brain tumor. She was preceded in death by her husband John Raymond “Ray” Fidler Sr. and parents, Karl Fairfax Wachsmuth and Neva Griffith Wachsmuth.

Martha was born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on August 3, 1950. Martha’s parents met while her father was stationed in Fort Smith while serving in the Army. Before Martha was born they had already had twin boys and with the birth of their third child they decided to move back to his home in Tappahannock, Virginia. Martha grew up in Essex County where she made childhood friends who remained close and by her side through the rest of her life. After high school she attended Mary Washington College where she graduated early. During her college period she met Ray and they were married in January of 1972. After the wedding she made her long drive across the Rappahannock River to her new home in Richmond County where she would teach Math for the next 44 years. Martha was a devoted teacher and was involved in numerous school activities during her career. She often would proudly state that not many teachers had the opportunity to teach three generations of students which she had done over the years. She made a huge impact on many of her young people. She also raised two sons who gave her the unconditional love that she gave them. Martha was a member of Milden Presbyterian Church in Sharps, Virginia where she was an Elder. After the loss of her husband in 2012 from cancer, Martha became more involved in the Garden Club of the Northern Neck which she was a member of. This became her new found joy. She loved spending time with the other members and also loved making flower arrangements for friends and also for competitions throughout the Garden Club. She was once again doing something she loved and was good at!

Martha is survived by her two sons, John Raymond "J.R." Fidler Jr. (Kelly), of Tappahannock, and William Griffith "Will" Fidler (Ashley), of Williamsburg; Two grand-children Noah (J.R.) and Peyton (Will); Two brothers, Karl Henry Wachsmuth, of Tappahannock, and Charles Robert Wachsmuth (Annie) of Trezevant, Tennessee. She is also survived by other Sister in-laws whom she considered sisters and numerous nieces and nephews and close family members. Martha had more friends than most. These friends were also by her side during her final days.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 4th, at Milden Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Gladys B Fidler Memorial Music Fund, c/o Charles Rice, P.O. Box 8, Sharps, Va. 22548.