Phillips County Colorado
JAY ALVIN MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, CO, June 3, 1999
Jay Alvin Martin of Holyoke passed away May 26, 1999 in Denver at the age of 80. Jay was born on August 26, 1918 in Holyoke to Frank and Ursula Miller Martin. Jay grew up southeast of Holyoke at the Martin homestead. He attended school in the Pleasant Valley Community. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Holyoke.
He was married in 1937 to Lorna Groshans and to this union four children were born, Naomi Jenkins, Jim Martin, Mary Fulscher and Carmen Holloway. He was married to Catherine Bierbach in 1957 and to this union was born one daughter, Tammy Berbee.
Jay resided in Denver where he worked for Safeway as a driver and dispatcher. He retired after 28 years of service. He returned to the Holyoke area in 1983 and lived west of Amherst. In 1990 he was elected to the position of County Commissioner of Phillips County and served until he suffered a stroke in 1991. In 1995 Jay and Kay moved to Holyoke where he resided until his death.
Jay was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Amherst. His favorite past times were playing baseball in his younger years. In his later years he enjoyed many visits to the bakery with his best friend Dale where he enjoyed the company of many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Nola Poe; brothers Eugene Kent and Alva Martin; son Timothy Martin; and sons-in-law Gary Fulscher and Harold Jenkins.
Survivors include wife Kay Martin of Holyoke; daughters Naomi Jenkins of Julesburg, Mary Fulscher of Amherst, Carmen and husband Ed of Greeley, and Tammy and husband Jim Berbee of Denver; son Jim and wife Shirley of Longmont; sisters Laura Smith of Orlando, FL, Merle Peterson of Halton, ND, LaDonna Wernet and husband Boyce of Holyoke; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
Funeral services for Jay Alvin Martin were held Saturday, May 29 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amherst. Burial followed in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
CATHERINE "KAY" (BIERBACH) MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, Colorado, April 22, 2004
Catherine "Kay" Martin, 66, of Holyoke died Thursday, April 15, 2004 in Greeley. She was born April 14, 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska to Harold A. and Irene Opal (Read) Bierbach. She married Jay A. Martin on September 3, 1957. They moved to Denver in 1963 where Jay worked for Safeway. On Jay's retirement, they moved west of Amherst and later to Holyoke.
In 1988 Kay earned her GED and in 1999 she finished Jay's term as county commissioner. She enjoyed crocheting, doing crossword puzzles, baking and needlework. Kay was a dedicated and loving caregiver.
Kay was preceded in death by her mother Irene, husband Jay and infant son Timothy. She is survived by her daughter Tammy Berbee and husband Jim of Arvada and Barbara Rapp of Lusk, Wyoming; step-daughters Naomi Jenkins of Julesburg, Mary Fulscher of Amherst, Carmen Holloway and husband Ed of Greeley; step-son Jim Martin and wife Shirley of Longmont; sister Phyllis Turner of Roachdale, Indiana; and brother Harold Bierbach of Holyoke. Grandchildren include Deanna Wegman and husband John, Tonia Elliott, Shawn Martin, Jimmie Jo Ribson, Shannon Martin, Stacy Fulscher, Jodi Howitt and husband Lance, Scott Holloway and wife Erica, Erin Burke and husband Bob, Megan Hunter and husband Matt, Lindsey Berbee, Brandon Rapp, Bailey Rapp and Ryan Rapp.
Funeral services were held Monday, April 19 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Amherst. Interment was in Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
CHARITY BELLE (FUNKHOUSER) MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, CO, 14 Sep 1950
LAST RITES READ FOR HOMESTEADER
Funeral services were held at the Holyoke Methodist Church on September 11, for Charity Belle Martin, who passed away on Saturday, September 9, at the age of 94 years, one month and six days.
Charity Belle Funkhouser was born at Aconia, Iowa, August 3, 1856. There she grew to womanhood and at the age of 17 she married Robert Martin. One son, Joe, was born in Iowa. In 1875 they came to Colorado and homesteaded 10 miles east of Holyoke. Eight children were born to them during those pioneer days. One son, Roy, who has lived on the home place, is the only child living and Mrs. Martin had made her home with him since the death of her husband in April, 1925.
During the thirtieth year of her life she became a member of the United Brethren Church which she attended regularly as long as her health permitted. She was known as Grandma Martin to old and young alike, throughout many years and her kind and helpful ways will be remembered by many friends and relatives.
Out of town relatives attending the services were: Mr. and Mrs. Henry Martin of Greeley, Colorado; Mr. and Mrs. Alive Martin of Oxford, Nebraska. Many relatives, mostly grandchildren and great grandchildren and a host of friends are left to mourn her loss.
Funeral services were in charge of the Lewis Funeral Home of Holyoke. She was laid to rest in the State Line cemetery near those of her family, who preceded her in death.
Pallbearers were Wayne Martin, Lester Martin, Jay Martin, Everette Jaycox, Milton Martin and Glenn Martin.
FRANK BONEN MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, Colorado, March 15, 1945
Frank Bonen Martin, the son of Robert F. Martin and Charity Isabelle (Funkhouser) Martin was born October 27th, 1882, near Little Rock, Arkansas, and came to Holyoke at the age of four years.
He departed this life March 7, 1945 at Holyoke, Colorado, at the age of 63 years, four months and eight days.
He spent most of his life in the Holyoke community, where he homesteaded soon after his marriage, fifteen miles southeast of Holyoke. He was united in marriage to Ursula Maude Miller in August 1907, and to this union were born seven children, two of whom died in infancy. His wife Maude passed away in December 1921. In 1927 he was married to Leatta Rose (Mundell) Kent, and to this union was born one daughter. He was a member of the United Brethren in Christ Church of the State Line. It has been said of him that he was a good father and husband as well as a good neighbor.
Left to mourn his loss are his beloved wife, Leatta, four daughters, Mrs. Merl Peterson of Lincoln, Nebraska, Mrs. Nola Poe of Holyoke, Colorado, Mrs. Laura Smith of Springfield, Ohio and LaDonna of the home. Also two sons, Jay of Holyoke, Colorado and Pfc. Alva, in the southwest Pacific, and a stepson, Pfc. Gerald E. Kent of Camp Ross, California. These, as well as his aged mother, Mrs. Robert Martin and two brothers, Roy and Harry of Holyoke.
His father and three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death, as well as the two children who passed away in infancy. He also leaves fourteen grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Interment was at the State Line Cemetery.
HARRY MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, Colorado, May 30, 1946
FUNERAL SERVICES ARE HELD FOR HARRY MARTIN
Funeral services for Harry Martin were held Saturday afternoon from the Methodist church inHolyoke, conducted by Rev. Tom Franke. A quartet composed of Mrs. C.R. Smythe, Esther Bryant, Guy L. Bereman and Dr. P.S. Struble accompanied by Mrs. F.B. Kelly, sang three numbers.
Pall Bearers were Herb Miller, John Ortner, Otto Eichele, Billy Schultz, Leo Wagner and George O. Hall. Interment was in Pleasant Valley Cemetery.
Harry Leslie Martin, the son of Robert F. and Charity Isabelle (Funkhouser) Martin was born near Holyoke, Colorado on December 23, 1891 and departed this life on May 22, 1946 at the age of 54 years and five months. He has spent all of his life in this community living eighteen miles southeast of Holyoke. He was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth North on January 29, 1911 and to this union were born three children. During his life he was engaged in farming and stock raising. He served as County Chairman of the Triple A. Program for the past eleven years.
Left to mourn his loss are: his patient and devoted wife, Mary, three children; a daughter, Mrs. Clara Maranville of Champion, Nebraska, two sons, Lester of Denver, and Wayne of Holyoke. Also his aged mother and one brother, Roy of Holyoke, and four grandchildren. And other relatives and friends.
Mr. Martin has been in poor health for a number of years, but he was patient in suffering and a very devoted husband and father. He was a kind sincere friend to all.
LEATTA ROSE (MUNDELL) MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, Colorado, December 2, 1982
Leatta Rose Martin, daughter of Jacob and Rebecca Mundell was born September 18, 1894 at Aurora, Nebraska. She passed away at Melissa Memorial Hospital November 22, 1982 at the age of 88 years.
She became a member of the United Brethren Church and was baptized at the age of fourteen. September 6, 1918 she was married to Mark Kent of Grand Island, Nebraska where they made their home. September 30, 1919 their son, Gerald E. Kent was born. On October 28, 1926 Leatta married Frank Martin of Holyoke. They lived on a farm southeast of Holyoke. Their daughter LaDonna Belle was born October 1, 1931.
After the death of her husband Frank, Leatta moved to Holyoke and became employed at the Phillips County Hospital where she was a member of the nursing staff for several years. Later she became Dr. F.M. Dille's office nurse. After Dr. Dille's retirement she was employed at the Sheridan Manor Nursing Home as a nurse until the age of 75 years, at which age she retired and became a resident at the Senior Citizens Housing. July 1981 she moved to Sheridan Manor Nursing Home where she lived until her death.
Leatta transferred her church membership from the United Brethren to the First Methodist Church in Holyoke in 1952, where she attended as her working hours permitted. Leatta was a member of the Golden Age Club, the Community Club, Royal Neighbors of America, American Legion Auxiliary, Friendship Club, and an Honorary Member of the B.P.W. Club. She enjoyed social activities in her home and with friends and neighbors.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank B. Martin, a step daughter, Nola Poe, and a grandson, Jerry Ray Kent. She leaves her beloved son, Gerald E. Kent and Pauline; her beloved daughter, LaDonna Wernet and Boyce; step children, Jay Martin and Kay, Northglenn; Alva Martin and Ellie, Laura Smith and Floyd, Merle Peterson, and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
LESTER J. MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, Colorado, 15 Sep 1966
LESTER J. MARTIN RITES YESTERDAY; NATIVE OF COUNTY
Lester J. Martin, a native of Phillips County, passed away Sunday, September 11, at Rose Memorial Hospital in Denver following a long illness. He was 50 years of age. Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. yesterday, September 14, at the Holyoke Christian Church, with James Dobyns, minister of that church, officiating. Interment was at the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Arrangements were in charge of the Lewis Funeral Home.
A son of Harry L. and Mary (North) Martin, Lester J. Martin was born June 18, 1916, in the Pleasant Valley community southeast of Holyoke and resided there until 20 years of age. He was married to Blanch Willburger of Sterling and to this union one son was born, Charles L. Martin, who lives in Denver. Lester Martin had resided in Denver most of the time for the past 30 years. He was a taxicab driver there for many years.
Survivors include his son, Charles, already mentioned; his mother, Mrs. Mary Martin, Holyoke; one brother, Wayne Martin, Holyoke; one sister, Mrs. Clara Maranville, Champion, Nebraska; one ddaughter, Michelle Martin; one nephew; two nieces; one grandniece; and many other relatives and friends.
Mr. Martin's father preceded him death in 1945.
MARY E. (NORTH) MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, Colorado, March 27, 1980
MARY E. MARTIN RITES MARCH 24
Funeral services were held Monday, March 24, 1980, at the United Methodist Church in Holyoke for Mary E. Martin, 84, who passed away at Melissa Memorial Hospital on March 21. Rev. Eldon Shoemaker officiated at the services. Interment was in Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Thompson Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Elizabeth North Martin, daughter of George and Susanna (Yount) North, was born on March 21, 1896, in Essex, Iowa. At the age of 6, Mary moved with her parents and 10 brothers and sisters to Phillips County, Colorado where they resided on the land that is now the Pleasant Valley Ball Diamond.
On January 29, 1910 she was united in marriage to Harry Martin and they started their life together in the Amitie Community southeast of Holyoke. To this union three children were born, Wayne, Clara and Lester. In 1919, while the children were very young, they returned to the Pleasant Valley Community and settled on a farm 18 miles Southeast of Holyoke to raise their family. In May 1946 her beloved husband Harry passed away and in September 1966, she lost her youngest son Lester. Mary remained on the farm with her oldest son Wayne until her death.
"Grama," as she was affectionately known to her grandchildren, was preceded in death by her husband Harry, her son Lester, four brothers and four sisters. She leaves to mourn her passing one son Wayne Martin, Holyoke; her daughter Clara Maranville and husband Rollo; four grandchildren, Martin Maranville and wife Mary, Las Vegas, Nevada; Judy and husband Bob Mendenhall, Champion, Nebraska; Jane and husband Bud Austin, Akron, and Chuck Martin of Denver, Colorado; seven great grandchildren, two sisters, Mrs. Emma Hill, Imperial, Nebraska, Mrs. Mildred Power, Farmington, New Mexico, several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.
ROBERT FRANKLIN MARTIN
Phillips County Herald, Holyoke, Colorado, April 2, 1925
Robert Franklin Martin, pioneer of the Pleasant Valley community passed away last Saturday at his home following an illness of about a month from paralysis. His age was 73 years, 6 months and 19 days.
Mr. Martin came to this county in 1886* and homesteaded in the southeastern part of the county. He has resided there since, surviving the droughts and many hardships which beset the pioneers of this county. About a month ago he was stricken with paralysis and since that time he has steadily grown weaker in spite of every attention.
He is survived by his wife and three sons, Roy, Harry and Frank, all residing in this county, besides a great many friends and neighbors who have been associated with him and his family for many years.
Funeral services were held Sunday, March 29 at the Pleasant Valley church, Rev. J.N. Tomlin, conducting the service. Interment was made in the State Line Cemetery.
PLEASANT VALLEY NEWS - Robert Martin who has been in a helpless condition from a paralytic stroke for several weeks took worse Friday night, and from that time on he gradually kept sinking until he passed away Saturday at nine a.m. The funeral services were conducted by Mr. Tomlin Sunday at Pleasant Valley. The Martin family are old settlers of the county and have a wide circle of staunch friends, who extend their sympathy to the bereaved ones, especially to the wife and mother.
CARD OF THANKS - We wish to thank the neighbors and friends for their kindness and assistance in the sickness and death of our husband and father, R.F. Martin. - Mrs. R.F. Martin, Roy Martin and Family, Harry Martin and Family, Frank Martin and Family
ROBERT FRANKLIN MARTIN
Phillips County Herald, Holyoke, Colorado, April 9, 1925
Robert Franklin Martin was born in the state of Missouri, August 10, 1851, and died at his home fifteen miles southeast of Holyoke, Colorado, on March 28, 1925, aged 73 years, 6 months and 18 days. He was united in marriage to Charity Isabelle Funkhouser on May 30, 1874*, and two years later moved with his wife to Phillips County, Colorado where he has made his home. Nine children were born to this union, only three of whom with their mother survive, namely, Frank, Roy and Harry, all residents of Phillips County.
Mr. Martin united with the United Brethren church in 1890 and since been a faithful and active member of that faith.Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J.N. Tomlin at Pleasant Valley school house, Sunday, March 30th and the body was laid to rest in the State Line Cemetery.
* Unknown which year (1876 or 1886) is correct
URSULA M (MILLER) MARTIN
Phillips County Herald, Holyoke, Colorado, December 16, 1921
Mrs. Ursula Martin, wife of Frank Martin, passed away at her home 16 miles southeast of Holyoke Monday evening, December 12, at seven o'clock. She was taken suddenly ill at six o'clock and all was done in the way of medical aid that could be done, but to no avail.
She was thirty-two years, three months and thirteen days old. She leaves to mourn her loss a husband, mother, a sister and brothers and five little children, a baby only one month old. Arrangements for burial have not been definitely settled.
Phillips County Herald, Holyoke, Colorado, December 23, 1921
Ursula Maud Miller was born August 29, 1889 in York County, Nebraska. She married August 30, 1907 to Frank Martin. Seven children were born to this union, Jackson Leo, Cleo Pearl, Francis Muriel, Nola Fay, Laura Marie, Alvin Jay and Alva Franklin. Mrs. Martin passed peacefully away December 12, 1921 at the age of 32 years, 3 months and 14 days.
She leaves to mourn her loss a husband, five children, mother and four sisters and two brothers. Her mother and three sisters live in Seattle, Washington; one sister near Enid, Oklahoma and her two brothers at Lamar, Nebraska. She united with the U.B. church at State Line, where she held her membership when she died. She was a good mother, a faithful wife and a friend to those who needed friendship, and she served her Master as best she could.
The funeral services were conducted at the State Line church, where she was a member, by Rev. G.H. Pickett, pastor of the church. The interment was made in the cemetery nearby.
CARD OF THANKS
We wish to express our appreciation and gratitude for the assistance, kindness and sympathy of friends and neighbors during the illness, death and burial of our wife and sister - Frank Martin,
Ralph Miller, L.N. Miller
WAYNE MARTIN
Holyoke Enterprise, Holyoke, Colorado, August 1983
WAYNE MARTIN KILLED IN ACCIDENT
Wayne Martin, age 70, of Holyoke was killed instantly in a two-vehicle accident 11 miles east and five miles south of Holyoke at approximately 9;05 a.m. Wednesday, July 27. Services were held at the United Methodist Church in Holyoke Saturday morning.
The accident occurred at the intersection of County Roads 61 and 12 in the southeast corner of Phillips County. Martin was a passenger in the pickup driven by Bob Bahler, when the vehicle collided with a pickup driven by Randy Haskell and owned by Dirks Ranch. Haskell was westbound on County Road 12. He skidded 71 feet before colliding with the Bahler pickup in the intersection of Roads 61 and 12, according to the accident report completed by the Colorado State Patrol. Haskell’s vehicle then spun around and slid broadside for 39 feet, rolled one time and came to rest on its wheels in the north barrow ditch, west of the intersection. Bahler was northbound on County Road 61. Prior to the collision, he accelerated for 134 feet. Afterwards, his vehicle spun around and slid broadside for 81 feet, rolled a half time, coming to rest on its top, partially on top of the passenger, Wayne Martin. The upper portion of Martin’s body was pinned under the pickup. County Coroner Dr. M.E. Chesnut was called to the fatal scene. Bahler and Haskell were taken by ambulance to the Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke. Bahler suffered scalp, back and arm contusions and Haskell had scalp lacerations and contusions. Supervising Officer Larry Holestine of the Colorado State Patrol noted Monday that charges on the accident are pending, in wait of a report from the District Attorney.
WAYNE H. MARTIN SERVICES JULY 30
Funeral services for Wayne H. Martin were held July 30, 1983 at the United Methodist church in Holyoke. Rev. Ralph Bullock officiated.
Wayne Herbert Martin was born December 16, 1912 on a farm near Holyoke. He died July 27, 1983 in an automobile accident near his home. He was the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Martin of Holyoke. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry, his mother, Mary; and a brother, Lester. He is survived by his sister, Clara Maranville and her husband, Rollo; 2 nephews, 2 nieces, 7 great nieces and nephews, and 1 great great nephew, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He lived and farmed with his parents until their death, then remained on the farm until his death. Wayne was a loving son, brother, uncle and good neighbor.
Wayne’s life was filled with outdoor sports including playing ball with the Pleasant Valley ball team, hunting and fishing with family, friends and neighbors. In the long winter days he enjoyed playing cards with his friends. An accurate summary of Wayne’s life is well expressed in the words of a friend. “He spoke well of just about everyone and just about everyone spoke well of him.” Interment was in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery with the Thompson Mortuary of Holyoke in charge of arrangements.
ZELPHIA (NORTH) MARTIN
State Herald, Holyoke, CO, 22 Nov 1912
On Tuesday morning, November 19, Mrs. Roy Martin died at her home in the southern part of the county. She took a violent cold and was sick only a few days.
She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George North, had grown to womanhood in our county and was highly thought of by a large circle of friends.
She leaves her husband and one child to mourn her death. The funeral services were held on the afternoon of Tuesday and the remains were laid to rest in the state line cemetery.
NOTE: She was the daughter of George W. North & Susanna M. Yount.
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