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Neva Martin Obituary

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Neva Martin

Clarkston, WA

November 26, 1928 - May 23, 2016

Neva Martin Obituary

Neva Jean Martin fought a valiant battle with cancer for six years, but lost the fight and passed at home with the love of her family at her side Monday, May 23, 2016, in Pomeroy. Neva was born to Jean and Max Hatfield on Nov. 26, 1928. She was born in Arbon Valley, Idaho, and at age 5 her family moved to Dayton, Wash., where she resided the rest of her young life. Neva met Norman Martin at Dayton in the summer of 1946 on a blind date. They went to the local carnival, where Norm spent his entire paycheck on her and at this time Neva told Norm he needed someone to take care of him. They were wed months later on June 8, 1947, and on the date of her death, the two lacked only 16 days of being married 69 years. In 1957, Neva and Norm and their two children, Phil and Lora, moved from Dayton to Pomeroy as co-owners of a grocery store with Don and Letha Martin. As they entered town, Norm remembered her saying "I'm home," and they resided in Pomeroy for the next 59 years. Norm and Neva were involved in the grocery store until 1973, when they sold out and moved to their much-loved farm, or "zoo," for the next 23 years. During this time she became a bookkeeper at General Tractor for 10 years before retirement. In the early years, Neva was a Campfire leader, an avid bridge player and belonged to the same club for more than 60 years. After retirement, she worked and helped manage the Garfield County Food Bank for approximately 15 years. Neva will always be remembered as a second mom to many of her children's friends while growing up because her home and kitchen were always open. She taught all her grandkids to ride, and everyone knew this "card-playing grandma" wouldn't let you leave without a game of something. Surviving Neva are her husband, Norm; and daughter Lora Brazell at the family home; son Phil Martin at Echo, Ore.; grandsons Todd Lund at Lewiston and Jeremy Martin at Echo; a granddaughter, Sarah Parrish at Hermiston, Ore.; 10 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Preceding Neva in death were her granddaughter, Helen Elrod; and her brother, Jay Hatfield. Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Pomeroy Cemetery. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, all memorials be sent to the Garfield County Food Bank, P.O. Box 15, Pomeroy, WA 99347.

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Events

Event information can be found on the Official Obituary of Neva Martin.