Mary Ellen Martens

“ALWAYS REMEMBER THE BEAUTY OF THE GARDEN, FOR THERE IS PEACE.” Anonymous

Mary Ellen (Scott) Martens was born on October 12, 1935 in Estherville, Iowa to Walter and Ida (Hansen) Scott. She was the only sister to 5 brothers. She departed this life on November 12, 2016, at the age of 81 at Good Samaritan Center in Estherville.

Mary Ellen graduated from Estherville High School in 1953 and was united in marriage to Donald Martens on May 12, 1957. They farmed for many years northwest of Estherville, and raised many animals on the farm including some exotic birds and animals. In 1978, she purchased the greenhouse known as Pete’s Garden Center and renamed it Four Seasons Greenhouse. In 1986, she purchased the building on Central Avenue, which became, Four Seasons Floral and Gift shop. She operated the greenhouse and flower shop for 38 years and was actively working there until the spring of 2016, even as her health had declined and she was forced to rely on help from her friends and family. Mary Ellen’s geraniums were ‘The Best” and she was well known for growing quality plants and flowers and her beautiful geraniums. She took a lot of pride in her flowers and worked very hard to grow the best plants. Many businesses and city parks in Estherville were all planted with the beautiful flowers from her greenhouse. Memorial Day brought a lot of hard work as she took care of the several hundred cemetery urns in all of the area cemeteries. It was truly her love and brought her much pride and joy. After a very active 80 years, Mary Ellen’s health started to decline.

Her family was very important to her and as they celebrated 59 years of marriage, both were facing health issues and Don moved to the nursing home. Mary Ellen would always make sure to bring Don out to the farm for daily visits after he moved to the nursing home so they could spend time together. She was proud of her family and enjoyed attending many sporting events for her children and grandchildren. She was a member of First Christian Church in Estherville.

Mary Ellen had a soft spot for animals. Whether they were family pets or stray animals that wandered onto the farm or her greenhouse, she was always very generous and caring and helped in any way she could. She spoiled the animals on the farm and was known to cook many meals for them, just as she did for her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Don; son Paul (Lynda) Martens of Estherville; daughter Michelle (Kevin) Swanson of Edina, MN; and son Mike (Phyllis) Martens of Estherville. Seven grandchildren; Danielle (Corey) Roberts, Jamie Martens and Brooklyn (Eric) Enderton all of Des Moines, Leah (Brent) Keene of Hartley, Molly Martens of Estherville, Patrick Swanson and Lydia Swanson of Edina, 3 step-grandchildren; Trevor, Kyle and Brandon Delmolino all of Estherville and ten great-grandchildren. Sister-In-Law, Ayako Scott of Clear Lake and sister-in-law Virginia Adams, and several nieces and nephews.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Ida Scott, parents-in-law Irving and Gertrude Martens, brothers Daniel, Bruce, Larry, Gene and Jimmy Scott and sisters-in-law Ann Scott, Kathy Scott, Wilma Anne Scott.