Marian Martin

Marian Louise Martin passed away Friday evening, November 28, 2008 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, Minnesota, having been a resident of Crestview Manor in Evansville, Minnesota. Marian was born June 15, 1924 in Springfield, Mo. to Norman and Omega (Garner) Franklin. She graduated high school in Springfield and then apprenticed at a beauty shop. On June 15, 1941, she became united in marriage to Ray Ware in Ozark, Mo. They lived in Springfield, Mo., Tulsa, Ok. and San Antonio, Tx. After the end of WWII, Marian volunteered at O'Riley Veteran's Hospital in Springfield, Mo. and on February 6, 1947, she married Melvin Martin in Kansas City, Mo. They moved to Harlan, Ia., residing throughout the years in rural Battle Lake, Alexandria, and Fergus Falls, Mn., Palm Bay, Fl. and Bolivar, Mo. Returning to Minnesota, they lived in Montevideo until Melvin's death when Marian went on to live in Clara City and Evansville. Marian loved to travel, especially enjoying trips to Alaska and spending winters in Florida and Santa Fe, NM.She was an avid reader having real talent for writing poetry and leaving behind a wonderful legacy for her family. Marian cooked with a southern flair that delighted her family. She enjoyed craft-making and was a member of a homemaker's group as well as a lifelong member of the American Legion, VFW and DAV Auxiliaries. She is survived by her children: Judith (Dennis) Helle of Ashby, David (Margaret) Martin of Alexandria, Nancy (James) Stokes of Ottertail, and Kerry (Jan) Martin of Thornton, Co.; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild; brother-in-law Verle (Rose) Martin of Fergus Falls, sister-in-law Elenor Chambers of Omaha, Ne.; 1 nephew and 2 nieces. She was preceded in death by her husbands, her parents, son Ronald, grandson Jay and granddaughter Rosanne.