Martha Christine Tommerup Lever

1919 - 2008

Nov. 10, 1919 – Oct. 25, 2008

Martha Christine Tommerup Lever was born Nov. 10, 1919, and passed away Oct. 25, 2008. She was born in Coolridge, Mont., to Danish immigrants Peter and Christine Tommerup, as the seventh child of 12. As a young child, she walked to Coolridge's one-room schoolhouse in all kinds of weather. She graduated from Westby High School and continued her education at Great Falls Commercial College. She worked at several places before joining the SPARS (Coast Guard Auxiliary) in November 1943. She worked mainly in Washington, D.C., then returned to Montana after the World War ended. There she taught in the one-room schoolhouse. After her father's death in 1948, she and her mother moved to Santa Maria, Calif. She did secretarial work in Ontario, Ventura, and Betteravia, Calif.

In 1964, Bill Lever came into her life, and they married in 1965. They made their home in Oxnard, Calif., for 40 years. By marrying Bill, she gained a son, Richard; and a daughter, Charlotte; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved to travel with Bill in their fifth wheel trailer and take national trips.

Martha's life revolved around her family, church, and friends. Her most favorite pastimes were reading, playing cards, and needlework.

A few years ago, Martha moved to Bonaventure, where she enjoyed the last years with good friends and playing cards.

Martha's open laugh and friendliness will always be remembered.

Martha is preceded in death by husband, Bill Lever; stepson, Richard Lever; brothers Henry, Clarence, Melvin; and sisters Anna and Emma.

She is survived by brothers Alvin and John; and sisters Sylvia, Myrtle, Min, and Margaret.

A visitation is scheduled for 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 721 Doris Ave., Oxnard, CA 93030. The burial will be at 2 p.m. at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura, CA 93003.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Women's Memorial Foundation, Dept. 560, Washington, DC 20042-0560; http://www.womensmemorial.org/Donate/donate.html.

Arrangements are entrusted to James A. Reardon-Payton Mortuary, 511 North A Street, Oxnard, CA 93030; 805-483-2233.