Martha Jane Wilber

Martha Jane (Little) Wilber, 82, of Keene, NH passed away peacefully at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital in Virginia Beach, VA, after a sudden, brief illness. She was surrounded by family and dear friends sharing their love, telling cherished stories, singing, and holding her hands.

Martha was a woman of service and hospitality, and particularly enjoyed feeding people and playing cards or board games. In her down time, she would often be found watching her Hallmark movies, and knitting, usually one of many beautiful prayer shawls she donated over the years. Her relatives and friends could always count on receiving birthday and hand-sewn holiday cards from her - a sign of her love that will be sorely missed. She was always full of love for the person in front of her; generously offering hugs, encouragement, and hope. Her joy shone through constantly. As one friend said, “she always had a smile on her face and a flower in her hair”; a flower that perfectly matched her outfit, of course.

Martha was born in Keene, NH to Earl and Ruth Little of Keene, where she grew up on Elliot Street, as well as attended Keene High School where she was involved in student government and drama club, was chosen head cheerleader, and met the love of her life who happened to be a three-sport varsity athlete.

Martha was so beautiful and loved by so many that she was voted to the Queen’s Court three years in a row. In 1960, Martha married the love of her life, Robert F. Wilber (predeceased in 2019). Early in her marriage, Martha worked for Princess Shoe Company and later spent 29 years at Service Credit Union.

Since 2004, Martha lived between Virginia Beach, VA, Keene, NH, and Wells, ME. In Virginia, she soaked up time with her great‐grandchildren. Since 1987, Martha spent summers at their “camp” in Wells where she and Bob enjoyed the Maine beaches, making friends, and welcoming family members for visits. They even ventured down to Florida for a few years during the coldest part of winter to bask in the sun and enjoy outdoor activities at their lakefront home in Lakeland, where they made many great friends.

Martha is survived by her son Scott Wilber and wife Andrea Johnston of Keene, NH and their three children, Liz (Regan) and husband Dan, Robbie and wife Clare, and Becca; her daughter Wendy Wilber Dittrich and husband Blake of Virginia Beach, VA and their two children, Cody and wife Lindsay, and Cara (Rice); her daughter Jodi Wilber Bland and husband Jeff Dillerud of Elk River, MN and their three children, Madison and fiance Corrin Toben, Spenser and wife Shannon, and Madison Dillerud; her son Ryan Wilber and wife Nina Hamilton Wilber of Atascadero, CA and their daughter, Elizabeth; Kim Ann Ahlberg and her husband Nils of Sullivan, NH and their daughter Peighton; along with 7 great-grandchildren, Camden, Carter, Colton, Tavian, Jacob, Martha Joan, and baby Regan (due July 2024); and her brother John “Jack” Little and wife Joan of Keene, NH and their sons, Brandon, Jason, and Todd.

In addition, Martha is survived by her sister-in-law Sandy Wilber of Arlington, TX, her daughter Sarah (Holman) and husband Adam; her sister-in-law Cindy Wilber Salvatelli of Leominster, MA, her husband Fred and their children, Tara, Corey and wife Julie; along with great nieces and nephews, Lily, Emma, Jack, Taylor, Reese. Many other extended family members were in Martha’s life and heart.

Martha is predeceased by her parents, and brother Prescott “Pep” Little and sister Pauline “Polly” (Little) Waldron.

Martha has requested a combined service for her and her beloved husband, Bob (who passed in 2019 and whose service was canceled due to covid). The family would like to invite all who knew and loved both Martha & Bob to a funeral service at the First Congregational Church of Swanzey, 679 Old Homestead Highway, on Saturday, May 11 at 2:00 pm followed by a reception and graveside service. Live streaming will be available.

For more information or to share memories and condolences, please visit: Martha’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100021514801088 or the Foley Funeral Home of Keene’s website at www.foleyfuneralhome.com.