Gladys M Esbenshade age 95 of Paradise, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.  Born in Lancaster, she was the daughter of the late Jacob and Hettie (Stauffer) Martin. She was predeceased by her husband Robert in December 2020 after 71 years of marriage.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Barbara married to David Zerbe, Strasburg, grandchildren Erin (Zerbe) Landis, married to Kevin, of Strasburg, Lauren (Zerbe) Johnston, married to James of New Brighton, Minnesota and Faith Esbenshade, of Lancaster. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law Betsy Esbenshade, of Lancaster. She was preceded in death by her son, James M Esbenshade, two brothers Howard Martin, Wilbur Martin and sister Alta Miller.

Gladys has seven great grandchildren, Ashtyn, Dayton and Jordyn Landis and Lana, Wade, Jett and Crew Johnston.

She was the matriarch of The Esbenshade Turkey Farm assisting her husband in the business of the oldest operating turkey farm in America established in 1858. She & Bob won many grand champion awards at the Pa State Farm Show in Harrisburg.  She was a superb cook and offered her turkey recipe to all the customers of the turkey farm. It is printed on the packaging of every turkey to this day. She also created numerous recipes for serving turkey.  She was very active in her local Farm Women Chapter #14.  She hosted many guests in her home over the years including exchange students from many countries as well as numerous missionaries. Gladys also participated in the Ladies Auxillary of the Lancaster General Hospital and The Lancaster Christian Women's Club.

Gladys graduated from Penn Manor High School in 1947. She was a member of  Calvary Monument Bible Church, Paradise PA. She thoroughly enjoyed serving the children in the Awana program for many years.

She loved her family and enjoyed being on the farm with her granddaughters and great grandchildren. She also provided farm tours to many classes of school children throughout the years. She enjoyed being together at family gatherings and her recent 95th birthday celebration. She will be dearly missed by her family and those who knew her.

A funeral service will be held Friday, November 8, 2024 at 11:00 am, visitation beginning at 10:00 am at Calvary Monument Bible Church, 1660 Mine Road,  Paradise PA.  Private burial for the family will be at Strasburg Cemetery. The family wishes to thank the staff at Agape Care, Lancaster General Hospital, Hospice and Brethren Village for their excellent care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Calvary Monument Bible Church Awana Program.

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life..John 3:16