Wanda Martin

Graveside services are scheduled for 10:30am, Saturday, May 18, 2013 at South Park Cemetery in Roswell, NM for Wanda Martin, 82, of Roswell who passed away in the early hours right after Mothers Day on Monday, May 13, 2013

Our mother, grandmother, aunt and friend was born on June 16, 1930 in McAdoo, Texas to James Marion Buckner and Freda Buckner both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two of her three sons, Jerry Duane Martin and Donald Roy Martin.

Mom was united in marriage with our father Morris somewhere in Texas maybe they eloped I dont know or remember on December 6, 1947. Dad passed to heaven on July 19, 1997. Mom said she was going to join him in heaven. I imagine he was at the pearly gates to welcome her I hope. I know the fish are always biting in heaven, surely he laid down his pole long enough to hug her.

Mom is survived by one son, Jeff Martin and wife Dorothy of Roswell grandson Chad Martin of Roswell his children Emma, Derrick, and Kameron grandson Eric Martin his wife Katie their children Samuel, Harrison and Madeline all of Umatilla, Florida grandson Kyle Martin of Roswell and his son Trent Martin Herring grandson Levi Martin and his daughter Lanee of Roswell.

A daughter, Marsha Roberson and her husband Donnie of Roswell grandson Dane wife Gina and their son Toby of Los Angeles Ca. grandson Kory Adams and his son Kole of Roswell.

Also surviving her is her deceased son Don Martins wife Connie of Levelland, Texas, grandson Clayton Royce Martin and his wife Casey, their children Kalee, Colton, Gracie and Emma all of Austin, Texas grandson Joel and his wife Mandi their children Easton and Madisyn all of Midland, Texas daughter Kelsey Martin Pape and her husband Adam of Highland Village, Texas. They will have their first child in July. I understand it is to be a boy named Jamison Martin Pape. She said the middle name Martin was in honor of her father Don, I wonder if it might be after me The fourth child of Don Connies is Kevin Martin. He has a beautiful wife Danielle and two precious twin daughters Chloe and Madelyn. They all live in Austin, Texas. The joy all of those kids have given Don Connie has made Don the happiest angel in heaven.

Moms beloved nieces and nephews of her deceased sister Margie Winkler also survived her. A special niece Cindy Webb and husband Bill live in Lubbock, Texas. Cindy always asked about Aunt Wanda and sent her love regularly. Cindys children Tasha, Jeremy and Taylor were loved by Aunt Wanda. Their pictures and their childrens pictures join many of the family pictures hanging on the walls in moms house. Cindy has a sister named Rhea Kay who lives in Washington State. Mom would tell me, I love that girl you need to take me to visit her. I never did, wish I had.

Her sister had two boys, Jamie and Dusty Winkler both of Flower Mound, Texas with families of their own. Jamie almost always stopped and visited mom on his way to Ruidoso to visit moms sister Margie and brotherinlaw Tony Winkler. I know because she would tell me how nice it was for someone who lived so far away to take time to stop by her house to visit. I would stop by more often after that. I didnt live that far away.


Dusty developed a close relationship with his Aunt Wanda when he started joining mom and dad on their regular fishing trips to Uvalde, Texas. He went under the pretense of fishing with dad, but I think he hung around in camp more to eat moms homemade cakes and fried pies. I would usually be fishing with dad. I use to think I should stay in camp and let Dusty fish with dad. I never did, wish I had.

Our family moved to Roswell in 1958. It wasnt too long after that we began attending Calvary Baptist Church. I think they searched for a church home before a home for us. They had to get the important stuff done first. I was only eight at the time and didnt have my priorities quite right yet. My brothers and sister often thought it more important to sleep in and watch cartoons than attend Sunday school no seems church was more important who would of thought I was really surprised when I found out on a Wednesday night that attending the revival at the church was more important than watching the rodeo finals on TV who would have thought My mom and dad thats who did. Finally after almost losing an ear from being pulled to church mine and my siblings priorities were set straight. Thank God. I owe it to my mom for making church the highest priority during mine and my siblings youth. Because of her we developed a personal relationship with Jesus and were baptized in the church.

We thank Calvary Baptist Church for the many friends that kept mom busy and happy after dads death. She traveled on many trips with her friends to church functions all over the area. A special group of friends headed by Norma Savage kept her busy, happy and doing the Lords work, which she loved. She spoke often of those happy times. It was very sad for her when she moved from town back to the family home north of Roswell. My sister, Marsha wanted her closer to her so care would be easier. The move made it harder for her to stay in touch with her church and friends. She no longer drove and found that to be frustrating.

Mom became involved with a group of ladies called TOPS while Dad was alive. Her favorite day of the week was the evening the group of friends would meet. She loved the camaraderie that developed between her friends. Who would lose the most weight that week They all cheered each other on and secretly hoped to be the winner that week. The family thanks a very special friend of moms, Frances Carter. She met Frances at TOPS and they remained close friends for many years. Frances visited mom just hours before she passed to heaven.

The family thanks Lovelace hospital and the wonderful nurses and Doctors that helped mom while she was there. A special thank you to Mission Arch Care Center for the exceptional care they gave mom during her last few days. I believe the nurses that were with mom those last hours were sent by God. A special thank you to my sister Marsha and my son Chad for the care, attention and help you gave to mom.

As you can probably tell this obituary was written by her son. If I have forgotten any family member or friend out, please forgive me. I selfdiagnosed myself with early onset dementia.

In lieu of sending flowers, the family would like for donations to be made to any charity that the giver feels especially close to.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main
Roswell, NM  88203
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
8:00 to 7:00 pm

Service

Graveside Service

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Saturday, May 18, 2013
10:30 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203