Luella Martin

Luella Jean (Minter) Martin, 90, precious and beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend, passed away in the presence of family Friday, June 5 at Prairie Sunset Home in Pretty Prairie, KS. Born 1929 in Abilene, the daughter of David H. Minter and Alice (Hartenstein) Minter, Luella grew up on the family farm two miles north of Industry. Upon graduation from Clay Center HS in 1947, she had completed her Normal Training Course and went on to teach elementary school at the Idyllwild and Broughton schools. In 1949 she married her high school sweetheart, Gerald Martin. Luella fulfilled her early calling to become a minister’s wife, as the couple served church communities in Iowa, Ohio and throughout Kansas for over fifty years.

Luella is survived by her five children: son, Ken Martin (Melinda) of Junction City; daughters, Faye Martin of Atalanta, GA, Vonda McKenna (Phil) of Kingman, KS, LaDona Martin of Corvallis, OR, Shauna Martin of Newton, KS; brother Rev. Curtis Minter of Fort Collins, CO; grandson Tendai Kajese and granddaughters Sally Martin, Sara Cox, Tinashe Kajese, Tanya Kajese, Megan Rivers, Zoë Frost, Lauren Frost, Lily McKenna; four great grandsons Kingston Bolden, Landon Rivers, Kingsley Bolden, Nolan Rivers, and one great granddaughter Reese Rivers. Luella is preceded in death by husband of sixty-seven years Rev. Gerald Martin, sisters Agnes Faulkner and Eleanor Chestnut, brother Harold Minter, and grandson Ramsey Martin.

Luella’s life was defined by her steadfast Christian faith and love for her family. As a Methodist minister’s wife, she provided celebration of the spirit through music for many church services on piano, organ, accordion and vocal and bell choirs. She led UMW and bible study groups, taught Sunday School and piano lessons, organized mission projects, and sponsored church camps. Luella was a talented homemaker, who sewed clothes for all of her children and grandchildren, as well as for their dolls. Her pantry was kept full with canned produce from the garden. As our mother and grandmother, Luella always had meals ready, pies and cookies baked, house cleaned, and plans made. Later in life she enjoyed crocheting, painting and composing spiritual songs. She provided us with a stable loving home where laughter and music were enjoyed and a warm hug was always offered. Thanks, Mom. We love you and will miss you dearly.

During her last months of life she was cared for at Prairie Sunset Home in Pretty Prairie, KS where she would often ask caregivers to “Take me to the birds” at the facility aviary. Memorials will be donated to Prairie Sunset Home Aviary Fund. Memorials will also be given to Good Shepherd Hospice, who provided palliative care for both Gerald and Luella Martin. Memorials and cards can be mailed to Neill, Schwensen & Rook Funeral Home at 918 7 ^th St. in Clay Center KS 67432.