W. Risley Martha

Martha W. Risley, age 85, died on Friday, April 8, 2016 at McHarrie Life Senior Community in Baldwinsville, which had been her home since 2012.

Martha was born on August 20, 1930 in Scipioville, a daughter of the late Frederick and Margaret (Myers) Wyant. After completion of high school, she pursued her Bachelor❜s degree in Nursing at Syracuse University. She was the school nurse at South Seneca High School for over 20 years, developing endearing relationships with many of her students and she also worked as a Public Health Nurse for Seneca County. She was a supporting member of the Interlaken Reformed Church, and served in various capacities within the church over the span of many decades. Following the death of her husband, she was able to remain in her home with the loving care and support of family, friends and neighbors, until she moved to the Syracuse area in 2012 to be nearer to her family.

She is survived by her children, William (Therese) Risley of Liverpool, and Kim Koutnik of Tallahassee, FL; her grandchildren, Esther Koutnik of Tallahassee, FL and Andrew Koutnik (Kelly) of Tampa, FL; her sister, Mary Meixell (Edwin) of Trumansburg and many nieces and nephews. Martha was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Edward, in 2005 and by her sisters Ruth, Winifred and Jane.

The family will receive friends from 4 o'clock pm to 6 o'clock pm on Monday, April 11, 2016 at Covert Funeral Home, 7199 South Main Street in Ovid. A Memorial Service to commemorate her life will be held at 10 o'clock am on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 at the Interlaken Reformed Church, 8315 North Main Street, officiated by Rev. John Kotun. Prayers of committal will be held at Lake View Cemetery in Interlaken.

Kindly consider a donation in Martha❜s memory to the South Seneca Backpack Meal Program. Donations should be directed to : Weekend Backpack Program, c/o Ovid Federated Church, PO Box 340, Ovid, NY 14521.