MILDRED NELL MARTIN

LAMAR- A celebration of life service will be held at 3 pm. Friday at the Milford Christian Church for Mildred “Micki” Nell Martin, 78, Lamar, who died Friday, May 14, 2021, at her home, with loved ones near.

Arrangements were under the direction of Daniel Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America or the Christian Appalachian Project, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be shared at www.dfhlamar.com.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Sterling Martin; one son, Shannon Martin and wife Dana, Archie; two daughters, Leisa Blanchard and husband Lendon and Shawna Ryan and husband Tom, all of Lamar; 16 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one brother, Richard Hartsuiker and one sister, Sherri Fortner, both of Milford.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her mother-in-law; one daughter, Klaashia Blanchard and one grandson, Dakota Blanchard.

Mrs. Martin was born June 28, 1942, in Downey, Calif., to Klass T. and Betty Jo (McCoy) Hartsuiker.

She often told stories of her adventures of growing up in Minnesota. She was the best storyteller and she wrote intriguing letters. She loved her family, enjoying her grandchildren and their energy. She was an avid dissectolists (someone who loves jigsaw puzzles).

She met the love of her life while working at Mesa Verde National Park. She married Sterling Percy Martin on Dec. 29, 1960, in Cortez, Colo.

She was a homemaker, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and also had many work experiences. She raised chickens and did odd jobs as a girl. When she and her husband met she worked in housekeeping and was promoted to secretary for the administrator of the park. When they were newlyweds Mr. Martin worked the oil fields, while she tended bar and took in ironing. Over the years she also waited tables, was a milk maid, helped her husband farm and was a collator at Golden Business Forms.

She was a member of the Newport ladies bible study and was an election official for many years.