Martha H. (Huschka) Rhubottom

Martha Helene Antonie Rhubottom (1931-2025)

Martha H. Rhubottom, age 94, of West Brandywine, PA passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025 leaving a void her family cannot fill.

She was born in Zwittau, Czechoslovakia on June 3, 1931 to Johnann and Hedwig (nee Hink) Huschka, the second of three children. Her school years in Germany at the Gymnasium taught her Tailoring and sewing skills which she used throughout her life.  Her career with AAFES began at the Post Exchange (PX) army military base where she sold perfume to American GIs and later moved into senior management roles.  She retired from AAFES in 1994, receiving a Special Recognition of Service award.

Martha met the love of her life at the PX perfume counter.  She married Thomas A. Rhubottom on June 14, 1955 in Stuttgart, Germany. They were happily married for sixty years.  Martha embraced her life as a military wife and excelled at creating a happy and stable environment for her family despite several military transfers, including Okinawa and Germany overseas and Ft. Stewart, Georgia and Ft. Belvoir, Virginia stateside.  The family finally settled in Woodbridge, Virgina where they lived for 40 years.

Martha was a devoted mother to her three daughters, Patricia, Diana and Anita.  She was “Oma” to her grandchildren, John Horgan and Natalie Nankervis, and recently celebrated the birth of her great-grandson Luke Horgan.  Being Oma was her favorite role of all.  She always said her grandchildren brought her the greatest joy and they felt that in the love and support she provided.

Martha was known for her fashionista sense and style.  She was always dressed to the nines and took immense pleasure in accessorizing every outfit with matching shoes, handbags and jewelry.  She had many talents and hobbies and was a gifted artist too.  She loved to paint with watercolors and in ceramics. She once made a complete set of Nativity figurines and delighted in decorating her home with it every Christmas.  She found joy in cooking, as this was a way to show love, to connect and create something beautiful.  She looked forward to vacationing at Rehoboth.  The beach held a special place in her heart as she loved the ocean, walking along the shoreline and gathering shells.

Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband Thomas; her brother Erich Huschka and her daughter Anita Nankervis, who was stricken with ALS.  This was a loss from which she never recovered.  She is survived by daughters Pat Rhubottom (Brian Murphy) and Diana Horgan (Mark); by grandchildren John Horgan (Sydney) and Natalie Nankervis; and by great-grandson Luke Horgan.  She is also survived by dozens and dozens of shoes and handbags, each more fabulous than the last.

Martha will be laid to rest and reunited with her husband at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania.  Burial services are private.  A Celebration of life is planned for late August.

Memorial donations in Martha’s name in support of a Veteran’s organization of your choosing or to Breastcancer.org are appreciated.

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