Eileen Martinsen
October 3, 1939 - January 14, 2023
Meridian, Idaho - Eileen Alza Strong was born in Wilcox Nebraska and moved to Idaho around age 2 when her family settled in the Ustick Grove area of Boise. She attended Ustick School and Meridian High School, graduating in 1957. She obtained her Associates degree in Education at Boise Junior College (BSU) in 1959. Eileen taught 3rd grade at Collister Elementary until marrying Merl Martinsen on March 25, 1961 at Ustick Baptist Church. They were blessed with a daughter and moved their blended family of now 5 girls to West Boise. Eileen enjoyed her role as mom and wife in their lives, summer camping in the Idaho mountains, singing in her church choir, duets with her husband and perfecting her seamstress & quilting skills. She spent many hours playing the family piano and singing her favorite hymns. In 1984, Eileen and Merl retired to their new home in Meridian. During retirement they were members of Good Sam Travel Club and Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene. They also wintered in Arizona for many years, traveled coast to coast including Alaska in their motorhome. She enjoyed the time spent with her small grandchildren and worked in the church nurseries for many decades. Her joy was being in the presence of innocence and love from children. Eileen's granddaughter, Amy was her caregiver for many years before her health declined. The family is very grateful for Amy's sacrifice, love and kindness during those years. Eileen is survived by brothers Keith Strong of Redwood City, CA and Gale Strong of Fallon, NV; daughter Connie Martinsen of Columbia, SC and granddaughters Amy Campbell of Meridian and Kristin Campbell of Star with grandchildren Alexis, Konnor and Colton. Also four step-daughters; Ruth, Erin, Rita and Mary and many step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her husband of 54 years, Merl Martinsen, died in April 2015. Memorial contributions can be donated to Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene in Meridian. A graveside interment at Terrace Lawns Memorial Gardens will be planned for the family at a later date.

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Jan. 22, 2023.

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