Lesley Kathryn Martin

1950 - 2025

Lesley Kathryn Martin

February 1, 1950 - November 16, 2025

Lesley Kathryn Martin, 75, of Jerome, Idaho, passed peacefully in the early morning hours of November 16, 2025, with her loving husband of 54 years by her side after a brief illness.

Born on February 1, 1950, in Barstow, California, Lesley grew up loving the desert, sunshine, and all things water. She spent her youth swimming, competing and coaching at the Barstow Community Pool and waterskiing the Colorado River-places that helped shape her joyful, adventurous spirit.

Lesley married the love of her life, Wesley Martin, on April 17, 1971. Wes had always joked that it would be a cold day in hell before he got married, and on their wedding day, an unexpected snowfall dusted the high desert of Southern California. It became a well-told family story that perfectly captured the humor, magic, and deep connection they shared.

In 1983, Les and Wes relocated from Barstow, California to Jerome, Idaho, to build new opportunities for themselves and their daughters, Erin and Beth. Once in Jerome, Lesley poured her creativity and warmth into the community. For a number of years she owned and operated Mr. Florist, a local flower shop where she shared her love of beauty, color, and craftsmanship with her community.

After her time as a florist, Lesley transitioned into the world of fitness-a passion that grew steadily throughout her life. In her 40s, Lesley fell in love with walking and participated in countless fun-runs and races. As a member of Team Weenie, she found community, friendship, and endless joy. In addition to her walking, she also became a personal trainer, working in various gyms across the Magic Valley, where she was dedicated to helping women her age become stronger, healthier, and more self-confident. If you lived in Jerome, chances are you saw her speed-walking on the bike path. In her later years, she brought that same encouragement and energy to teaching spinning classes at the local recreation center, inspiring many with her enthusiasm and trademark laughter.

Lesley was a true social butterfly, known for striking up conversations everywhere she went. She had a knack for telling jokes-some good and some not so good, but thinking they were all great-which made her all the more endearing. Her home was her haven, and she spent her entire life making her home warm and comfortable with her signature flair. She put that same flair into her yard in the summer tending to her backyard flowers.

Above all, Lesley absolutely loved entertaining. Her and Wes hosted countless dinner parties for friends and family where there was never a bad meal. Drinks were cold, the music was loud, and everyone was happy. You would always find her with a glass of Gallo chablis blanc and a wide smile. The door was always open to anyone-even her girls' friends on Friday nights for tacos. Later in life, Wes and Les loved long drives to a rural bar for a burger and a cold beer with friends or Sunday karaoke.

Whether walking, floating rivers, fly fishing, or embracing new adventures, Lesley lived life with humor, gratitude, and a radiant sense of fun.

Lesley was preceded in death by her mother, Wilma Jo Henderson; her father, George Henderson; and her brother, Matt Henderson. She is survived by her devoted husband, Wesley; her daughters, Erin Martin (Romain) of Twin Falls, Idaho, and Beth Norberg (Matt) of Clancy, Montana; and her adored grandsons, Griffin and Bennett.

A service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Farnsworth Mortuary, 1343 South Lincoln Ave., Jerome, with a celebration to follow at El Sombrero in Jerome.

Lesley's favorite season was fall, and she loved the writing of Ernest Hemingway. In his words: "Best of all he loved the fall. The leaves yellow on the cottonwoods, leaves floating on the trout streams, and above the hills the high blue windless skies… Now he will be a part of them forever," A sentiment that beautifully reflects the peace she now joins.