Birth date: Mar 4, 1945 Death date: Jan 21, 2026
The Life of Miriam “Mahala” Santmyer Miriam “Mahala” Santmyer, 80, of Winchester, Va., went home to be with Jesus on January 21, 2026 in Winchester’s Hospice House, following a 15 month battle with cancer. She was surrounded by Read Obituary
I first met Mahala at a SHR retreat at Manidokin. I was assigned to be her Heart Warrior which I prayed for her up until the retreat. I remember before meeting her I felt intimidated. I wondered how and what I would say that first evening so I sat at her table at dinner time and we had an amazing conversation which was the first of many! That feeling of intimidation was only in my head. Mahala was my mentor, a true leader and my sister in Christ. Our talks will ever be in my mind and my heart even in my journal of the nuggets of wisdom she spoke.
I am truly blessed to have known her. Until we meet again.
Diann Monroe
There are so many memories of my time with Mahala. I have known her for the past 10 years. Mahala was a woman who was committed to her mission. To love God and to love others. She humbly submitted to God‘s will for her life. She is now in the presence of our Lord and Savior. And those who are in Christ will be reunited with her one day. I love this picture. I did not want to go to the tea party because it isn’t really my thing. When the ladies told me I had to wear a hat, that was pushing it for me. But I will never forget the excitement and joy expressed by Mahala the entire time we were together. It is a treasure in my memory that will last a lifetime. Thank you, Mahala for your encouragement, your love, your teaching, your challenges, and for your friendship. You will always hold a special place in my heart. ❤️ Donna
