Martha “Marty” E. White, 68, passed away surrounded by her family after a long fight with cancer on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011. She was born in Ashland, Ky., raised in Dallas, Texas, and was a longtime resident of Birmingham. She attended Ursuline Academy of Dallas, a Catholic college preparatory high school, and earned a bachelor’s of science in education from University of Dallas. She worked as a history teacher and coach before marrying and starting what she called her highest calling, motherhood to her four daughters.

She was also an accomplished business woman, co-founding Regional Paramedical Services in Jasper in 1987, and also serving as paramedic and treasurer for the company for many years. She helped save many lives, comforted many people, and befriended many strangers who still may recall her kindness. She also ran for Walker County coroner in 1994.

Marty is preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Pekar; and her father, Samuel Dennis.

She is survived by her daughters, Colleen Latham (Sam), Carrie Roach (Joe), Bridget Wilbur (Chris), and Katy Whitson (John); sister, Diane Dennis; and ex-husband J. Kiernan White. She had 11 wonderful grandchildren that she cherished — Molly, Emma, Sarah, Sammy and Mattie Latham, Virginia and Anna Claire Roach, Jake and Erin Wilbur, and Garrett and Sophie Whitson. She also had many special friends and family.

She was a faithful member of St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover.

Visitation will be today, Sept. 20, 2011 at 9:30 a.m .at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church followed by mass at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bruno Cancer Center, 810 St. Vincent’s Drive, Birmingham, AL 35205.

Services are under the direction of Ridout’s Valley Chapel (879-3401) Homewood, AL.

Ridout’s Valley Chapel, Homewood; 205-879-3401