Mrs. Martha Lyle Pitman

 Mrs. Martha Lyle Pitman, age 93, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky surrounded by her family.
          Mrs. Pitman was born on August 1, 1932, in Staunton, Virginia to the late William Wallace Lyle and Grace Anna (McDonald) Lyle. She graduated from Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia, with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She retired from Murray State University in the Co-Op and Placement Department and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Murray, Kentucky.
          Martha’s musical talent began at a young age and remained a defining part of her life. She had a remarkable gift for playing just about any tune requested on the piano, giving her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren countless hours of cherished musical memories. Her love of music extended beyond her home as well. For many years, she faithfully served with the children’s choir at First Baptist Church, sharing her passion and nurturing young voices with patience and joy. Martha was an avid gardener and spent many countless hours tending to her flowers.
          Her passion for helping others extended into her career with the Co-Op and Placement office at Murray State University, where she was honored with the Staff Excellence Award in 1988.
          Martha grew up in Viriginia, and the Pitman family share wonderful memories of their visits to the mountain area that was so special to her.  During her time at Mary Washington College, she held leadership roles, received numerous accolades, and was crowned May Queen. Her greatest blessing during her college years was meeting her husband, W.J. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage and built a family grounded in hard work, gratitude for life’s simple joys, and love for the Lord.
          In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. W.J. Pitman; as well as one sister, Betty Jean Dunbar.
          Survivors include two sons, Dr. Jay Pitman of Georgetown, Colorado and Michael Pitman and wife Laura of Murray, Kentucky; two daughters, Martha Rogers and husband Clay of Roswell, Georgia and Suzanne Crook and husband Steven of Nashville, Tennessee; one brother, Bill Lyle and wife Ann of Staunton, Virginia; seven grandchildren, Will Pitman; Claire Ivy, Judson Pitman, Zach Pitman, Catherine McKendrick, Anna Rogers, and Nash Crook; as well as eight great-grandchildren, Wilder Pitman, Lily Pitman, Paisley Pitman, Nora Pitman, Grace Pitman, Kit Pitman, Parker McKendrick, and Charles McKendrick.
          A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 20, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Gary Vacca and Kerry Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
          Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Dr. W.J. and Martha Pitman Biology Endowed Scholarship Fund, Office of Development, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray State University, Murray, KY 42071.  Checks should be made payable to MSU Foundation, with the name of the scholarship fund in the memo line of the check or the First Baptist Church Sanctuary Fund, 203 South Fourth Street, Murray, KY 42071.
          Online condolences can be made at, www.jhchurchill.com