Patricia Mary Mantell Martin

MARTIN Patricia Mary Mantell Martin, our beautiful mother, made her journey to heaven on her 82nd birthday, November 18, 2006. She passed away in Phoenix, AZ due to complications from emphysema, surrounded by her loving family. "Nanny", as all who loved her knew her, came into this world with grace and class, and left in the same way. Mom was born on November 18, 1924 in Columbus, OH to Norma Kelly and Bryan Mantell. She attended North High School in Columbus, where she met her husband of 62 years, John W. Martin. They were married in 1942, in Toccoa, GA, where John was training in preparation for his participation in the Allies' "D Day" assault on Normandy, France. While John was fighting in World War II, Mom along with her life long friends, Bernice and Ruth, supported the war effort as "Rosie the Riveters" and working with the U.S.O. After the war, John and Pat returned to Columbus and started their family. Mom spent the rest of her life as a homemaker, mother, wife, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Mom and dad lived in Columbus until 1961, when they moved to Phoenix. John started and prospered with his construction company in the Phoenix area. Eventually they bought a second residence in Missoula, MT, and spent their summers in Western MT. John passed away on January 25, 2005. Mom was always the life of the party, and famous for her words of wisdom. At her eldest grandson's wedding, when asked for her secret for a long marriage, she replied: "Never have a meaningful conversation with your husband." Her crazy and colorful hats, sunglasses, and clothes brought laughter to everyone she touched. Children loved her, and she loved them. She remained the jokester to her last day, asking her physician if he was married. Her husband, her parents, and her sister, Virginia Gieger, preceded her in death. She is survived by her sister, Jacolyn (Alex) Klockner of Fountain Hills, AZ; her daughter, Sharon (Don) Snavely of Missoula, MT; her son, William Martin (Jill) of Phoenix, AZ; and three nephews; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom deeply loved her and will forever miss her. There will be a private family ceremony at the gravesite of Pat and John Martin in Missoula, MT.