Velma A. Martin

August 13, 1923 — January 22, 2018

Velma Alberta Martin, the daughter of Deforest and Mabel (French) Steward was born August 13, 1923, in Cherokee, IA. Her childhood years were spent in Cherokee where she attended school. Following school, she was united in marriage to Lyle Martin in 1953.

Velma lived in Cherokee all her life. In 1952, she went to work for J.C. Penney’s and remained a loyal employee for over 33 years until her retirement on January 11, 1986. Velma was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Cherokee. She will be lovingly remembered by many children and families as the nursery caretaker, which she started working for in 1979. She had a loving and calming effect in the nursery and truly loved every moment spent with the children. On August 2, 2009, she retired from the nursery position. In addition to babysitting, Velma loved to play games, especially Sorry, Bingo, and Flinch. She also enjoyed Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and Lawrence Welk. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

On January 22, 2018, Velma passed away at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her parents, Deforest and Mabel Steward; siblings, Fern Wilson, Irma Thurman, Lloyd Steward, Wayne Steward, Doris Johnson, Jim Steward, Louis Steward, Beverly Swanson, and Betty McGowan.

She is survived by her three children, Louise (Duane) Martin Eades of Longview, Washington, Steve (Louise) Martin of Aurelia, IA, and Barney Martin of Larrabee, IA; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.

SERVICES

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 29, 2018, at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Cherokee.

OFFICIATING

Pastor Cris Decious

VISITATION

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

INTERMENT

At a later date.

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