Erla Jeanne Coulston

1928 - 2025

ERLA JEANNE COULSTON

January 5, 1928 – August 14, 2025

Bakersfield – Erla Jeanne Martin Coulston, daughter of Earl and Eva Joy Nielson Martin of Altadena, California, was born on January 5, 1928 in Anaheim, Orange County California. She had one sibling, her sister, Julia Joy Martin Astle.

Erla received her bachelor's degree from University of Southern California. She was a member of the Tri Delt Sorority. She made many lifelong friends during that time. Erla met her future husband, John ("Jack") Cory Coulston in September 1950. He was a World War II veteran. They were married on March 25, 1951. Jack worked in agriculture after leaving the armed services. They lived many years in Camarillo, California and then moved to Bakersfield, California in 1972. They had eight children: Cory, Peter, Casey (stillborn), Sheila, Karen, Lisa, Tom, and Luci.

Erla was a devoted member of the LDS Church. She enjoyed being a member of Toast Masters. She traveled the world extensively. She loved animals. Nothing perked her up like her children.

She spent her final 3 years at St. Catherine's Home Care in Bakersfield where she received excellent and affectionate care.

She died on Wednesday, August 14, 2025 at 6am. Jack predeceased her on March 1, 2008. She was also predeceased by her parents and sister. She is survived by all 7 children, 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She will be laid to rest next to her husband.

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