Barbara Louise "Barb" Martin

Barb passed away on November 1st at the age of 91 with her family by her side. Barb was married to Jim for an amazing 62 years until his passing in 2021. They have 3 children, twins Jeff and Cathy and younger son David.

Barb was born in Philadelphia to Gertrude Duncan and Clyde Diehl.

Barb was raised in the Ivy House Children's Home until 1952. She always talked about Faith Honsbunger who was the superintendent of the home and mom to many.

Barb and her best friend Stevie from the home moved to Ohio where she met and married Jim on Aug 23rd 1959. They resided in Brimfield until 1968 then moved to Oregon, Oh.

Barb was a stay at home mom until we were 15 and she went to work for Huss Movers & Snowblowers.
Barb and Jim moved to Seattle Washington in 1979 due to Jim's job at Phillipps Petroleum due to the plant closing. Jim had 2 brothers that worked for Boeing so off they went for a new adventure in Seattle.
From what I can tell you about my mother she lived life to the fullest. Barb was in pain the majority of her life due to many illnesses but she never complained or let it stop her from doing anything she wanted to do.

The smallest things made her so content especially meeting new people. Her music was her joy and she loved to sing and watch her musicals. She also had a love for horses and her dogs. Thankfully her 2 sons had horses over the years that she could enjoy. Barb was a simple woman who just enjoyed the beauty around her.

We have such fond memories of our childhood. Wherever we lived mom made sure our house was the home that kids wanted to come to and her porch was the place the neighbors would come and sit. I don't know what was more enjoyable, our summer water fights or our Sunday morning buckets of Duncan donut holes. We ate half and played dodge ball with the rest.

From a small child who grew up in an orphanage with nothing, you would have thought she would have some bitterness or a chip on her shoulder, But no not Barb. She told us that was the best thing that could have happened to her. It made her a better person with a zest for life I can't even describe. Her mother figure, Faith and a few friends from the home she will always cherish.

Barb belonged to the Red Hat Society where she had many friends . They enjoyed their tea's luncheons and little excursions.

Barb's partner in crime was Chris from the neighborhood. Chris and mom shared a special bond. Her other special Ohio friend was Nancy. These woman stayed friends for life.
Mom met the most beautiful woman Beth when she moved to Seattle. Beth has been an amazing friend to mom and our entire family for the last 45 years.

Mom's pride and joy were her three children. How she loved us so. She loved us unconditionally. We all share our own special closeness to her. She taught us a love that will never leave our hearts. She was our mother and friend. Barb's son Jeff we can never thank enough for taking care of mom and dad all the years he did. Jeff was mom's comfort through the years and the reason they were able to stay in their home till the end. I must say David was the rock that shared the many nights in the hospital and emergency rooms over the years, and we know there were many.

We would like to thank Janelle our mom's caregiver. God brought her to our family. Mom and Janelle shared a special closeness. Janelle was more than her caregiver, she was mom's friend. Janelle's husband Mike was also a gift to mom. He would come over and sing for her and bring the most beautiful flowers to brighten mom's day. We were all blessed to have had them in our lives.

To special friend Coravalli who was here for mom and dad and has been a friend and caregiver to the whole family. Dad called Coravalli the sister he never had. Mom called Coravalli her adopted daughter. Either way she is family.

To special friend Greg who mom and dad called their son. Greg grew up with our family and brought so much laughter into our home. We are honored to call him brother.

Barb is survived by daughter Cathy ( Kenny ) son's Jeff and David. Grandson's Josh, Keaton, Skylar, Kenny, Cody and great grandson's Braeden, Wyatt and Barrett. brother in law Robert, sister in law Pearl. Nephews Todd and Gary ( Pam ) and niece Laura ( Erik ), great niece Katie and great nephew Ben.

Barb is preceded in death by husband Jim, mother Gertrude, father Clyde, Mother in Law Valentine, Father in Law Colin, half siblings Sue, Beverly, Shirley and brother Louise. Brother in Law John and sister in law Doris.

A memorial will be held at a later date with family and friends.

A special thank you to Bonney Watson for their wonderful care with our mother

" My mother's spirit will go on forever. Barb never gave up the fight, the fight was just over. "