Ellen Martin

Mary Ellen Martin, affectionately known as Ellen to her friends and family, formerly of Pembroke, Virginia passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, at the Highland Ridge Nursing Home in Dublin, Virginia. Born on January 16, 1946, in Giles County, Virginia, Ellen's life was marked by her unwavering kindness, spirited laughter, and the love she had for her family and community.

Ellen's journey began as the cherished daughter of "Pat" McGuire and Myrthie Radford McGuire. She grew up surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of Virginia, which instilled in her a lifelong appreciation for nature and the simple pleasures of life. Her siblings, Ann St. Clair, Dean McGuire, Robert McGuire, and Carole M Poteet shared in the joys and challenges of rural life, forming an unbreakable bond that would endure throughout their lives. Ellen was preceded in death by her loving parents, her beloved husband, Roy Martin, brothers, Dean and Robert McGuire; and her brother-in-law, Jim St. Clair.

Ellen is survived by her sisters Ann St. Clair, and Carole M Poteet (Don).

Ellen's legacy is carried on by her devoted children, Lori Leigh Spencer (Phillip) of Max Meadows, Virginia, and Jason Martin of Pembroke, Virginia. Her role as a grandmother was one, she cherished deeply, showering love and wisdom upon her grandchildren, Alyssa Christian (Kane), Tyler Preston Whittaker (Abbey), Dylan Spencer (Allison), Aaryan Martin, and Tessa Chloe Proffitt (William). Her great-grandchildren, Kaden, Kooper, Kaizer Christian, and Weston Whittaker, also brought immense joy and laughter into her life. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Throughout her career, Ellen served her community as a private caregiver, a vocation that allowed her to extend her nurturing spirit beyond her family. She approached her work with compassion and dedication, earning the respect and gratitude of those she cared for and their families.

Ellen's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a devoted member of the Riverview Baptist Church for many years, where her voice graced the choir and her wisdom guided many through her Sunday School teachings. Her faith was not only a source of personal strength but also an avenue through which she could support and uplift others. An active individual, Ellen enjoyed playing softball in her younger years, a testament to her competitive spirit and love for teamwork. Gardening was another of her passions, allowing her to cultivate beauty and share the fruits of her labor with friends and neighbors. In quieter moments, Ellen found solace in playing solitaire on her tablet. Above all, Ellen's greatest joy was found in the time she spent with her grandchildren and family. Her home was a haven of warmth and laughter, a place where memories were made and bonds were strengthened.

The family will receive friends at a time of visitation on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM in Kendall Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Poff officiating. Funeral Services will conclude in Birchlawn Burial Park where she will be laid to rest. A guestbook is available to send condolences to the family by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Martin Family.