IRIS IONE MARTIN

On Jan. 5, Iris Ione Martin was ushered into the arms of Jesus. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and she lived her life as an example of enduring love for God, her husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and everyone else who crossed her path. Her heart was great and her generosity was even greater.

Iris was born on Aug. 20, 1934, to Warren and Lois (McQuaig) Dean in Alpena and was the youngest and last surviving of seven sisters. She passed away at the age of 89 at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Iris lived in Alpena her entire life, and started out at the age of 18 working at Knapp’s Pharmacy. After a couple of years there, she was hired as an employee of Fraser Corporation for a few years. After raising her two children, Iris worked for Alpena Oil Company as the manager of Diamond Point Shell Gas Station for 10 years.

Iris met her lifelong love, William Martin in 1953. They were married in 1956 in Auburn, Ind. In 1959, they welcomed daughter Jean Marie, and in 1963, they welcomed son Robert Warren. Iris loved caring for children, so for ten years, the couple fostered many kids.

Iris loved to sew and made many articles of clothing over the years. She was an excellent bowler and enjoyed golfing and playing card and dice games. She also loved to travel and dine out. She particularly loved creating stained glass items, including stained glass windows. Some of her work is on display in the windows of First Baptist Church in Alpena.

Iris is survived by her husband of 67 years, Bill Martin; daughter Jean (Jim) Baker; son Bob (Stacee) Martin; Grandchildren-Ryan Martin, Becca Brown, Emma (Thomas) Carpenter, Olivia Martin, Iven Brown, and Raice Baker; Great-grandchildren-Maddison Martin, and Lacy Martin, Sisters-in-law Dolores Smith and Joyce Gapske, brother-in-law Gary (Lorraine) Szymanski, along with many nieces and nephews.

Iris was preceded in death by her parents; SistersEva (Don) Turner; Lillian (Clarence) Paad; Jean Smalley; Winona (Gerald) Mischley; Esther (Karl) Peterson; Elizabeth (George) Johnston; Brother-in-law Bernard Martin; and Sister-in-law Marilyn Szymanski.

Iris’ Celebration of Life will be held at McWilliams Funeral Home on Jan. 19 with visitation from 10 a.m. to noon. Service will begin at noon. Committal service immediately following service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Compassus Hospice.