Martha Blish
Martha Liddle Blish passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026 in Bradenton, FL (her winter home since 1982)
Martha was born February 22, 1929 the daughter of Oliver & Elsie Liddle, and grew up on the family farm in Andes, NY. She married Paul Blish January 8, 1949, moved to Margaretville where she spent her remaining years. Paul passed away Jan, 1994. Tom Wagner became a good friend and companion for her until he passed in 2010.
Martha was a telephone operator for the Margaretville Telephone Co, thus where she met Paul. She was a full time mother and housewife for many years, and did return to the Margaretville Telephone Co to work the front office. But she loved her free time to travel, bowl, play golf, shuffle, and be with her family. Travel-a Florida Snowbird since 1982; Bowling-One of Evergreen Lanes top women bowlers for many years and a member of NYS 600 club and Delaware-Greene Hall of Fame; Golf-enjoyed playing evenings with Bud & Peg Barnes, enjoyed Ladies Days that cost her $7.00 to 10.00 to play other courses with lunch and playing with all the Delhi Ladies weekly; Shuffling-She was the Queen of the Village on the Greens Shuffle Club winning several annual tournaments and she came in 2nd in this year’s tournament; and all the years she spent with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Martha enjoyed a good card game and played pinochle every week with the ladies.
In addition to being predeceased by her parents, her husband, she lost her son, William “Bill” Blish in 2023. She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Funck (Richard) and Diane Ackerley (Ralph) and daughter-in-law Anna Blish; her six grandchildren, Mike Ackerley(Katrina), Julie Byron(Sean), Kari Blish, Paul Ackerley(Elizabeth), Neil Griffin(Julie) and Kristen Sasso(Tommy); her eleven great grandchildren, Grace(her birthday buddy) and Calleigh Byron, Parker and Piper Ackerley, Sloane and Spencer Griffin, Kylie and Kenzie Sasso, Klara, Jace and Ava Ackerley.
Martha was one of eight children, her brothers George, Floyd, Gilbert, her sisters Marge Drew, Mary Gabriel, Virginia Reed all predeceased her. Her brother Richard Liddle survives. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday May 9th, 2026 from 10am-12noon at Hynes Funeral Home. Inurnment will immediately follow at the Andes Cemetery.
Those wishing to honor Martha’s memory may consider making a donation to the Historical Society of Middletown or American Legion Margaretville Post 216.