Martha Eikel Peck

Martha Eikel Peck passed away peacefully on January 1, 2015, surrounded by her loving family. Martha was born April 12, 1932 in Alexandria, Virginia to Leonard and Pettus Eikel. Her father became Senior Pastor at Mikesville Presbyterian Church in Lake City, Florida, where Martha grew up. She attended the University of Virginia School of Nursing where she met Reigh Peck, who was enrolled in the medical school. They were married in the chapel at the University of Virginia. Beaumont Army Medical Center brought them to El Paso, Texas in 1958. With Reigh, she opened Diablo Hospital in the early sixties and served as its administrator for 20 years while completing her Bachelors degree at the University of Texas at El Paso, earning a Master’s Degree in History from UTEP, and raising 7 children. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church El Paso, where she spent many years serving as both an ordained Deacon and Elder in the church. Martha’s commitment to First Presbyterian Church was demonstrated through her leadership on many committees; she served as church Treasurer, Moderator of the Personnel Committee, member of the Administration and Finance Committee and the Worship Committee, and was a member of the Presbytery of Tres Rios Council. Her knowledge of the Presbyterian Book of Order was her claim to fame! Martha took up tennis after her children were grown and cherished the friendships she formed with her tennis group. She loved El Paso and the warmth of its people, considering herself a native. She lived her life “at the top of the hill” in the home she loved so much. Martha treasured her children, her church and her friends. Martha is survived by her children: Courtney Mayer, Sharon (Greg) Hayes, David (Laura) Peck, Gregg (Lauren) Peck, Cyd (Tommy) Goldfarb, Hamilton (Kris) Peck, and Lara Hernandez; her 18 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild: Scott (Lindsay and son Rise), Matthew, Jordan, David, Darby, Grayson, Colton, Chandler, Allie, Maddie, Sam, Kyle, Hamilton, Carson, Stone, Angelina, Jack and Luke; her sister Betty (John) Norris, her nieces and nephews; and Maria Lourdes Fernandez (Lulu) and Guadalupe (Lupe) Soto. Her parents Leonard and Pettus Eikel preceded her in death. The family would like to thank Faith Hospice and her caregivers Lillian, Lucia, Mary, and Jessica. Martha will be missed deeply but her legacy will live on in her family and friends. Funeral service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison Drive, El Paso, TX 79902 on January 10th at 11 am. Reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church of El Paso or to the Alzheimer’s Association of El Paso, 4687 N. Mesa Street, El Paso, TX 79912.