La Grande, Oregon
Lois Fay Martens, 89, of Portland and formerly of Enterprise and La Grande, died Aug. 15. Services will begin at 2 p.m. today at the Lincoln Memorial Park Funeral Home, 110801 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd. in Portland.
Lois was born on April 27, 1918, to Lulu Maude (Ackley) Burnett and Oliver Franklin Burnett in Enterprise, the eighth of nine children. At 6, the family moved to La Grande. She graduated from La Grande High School in 1936.
Lois married Wayne Gooderham and had sons Michael and Steven. She later married Alfred Martens and had Bill, Susan and Pamela. They moved around the state while Al worked on the construction of I-84 and settled in the Portland area for the next 50 years.
Lois was an accomplished seamstress – a skill she learned from her mother. She made outfits for her daughters, including bridesmaid’s dresses and prom dresses. According to her family, Lois’ decorating and homemaking talents compared with the best, making her home a haven for her friends, children and grandchildren. Lois’ love of flowers was apparent by the many bouquets she made for herself, friends and family.
She spent the last year and a half of her life at the Alterra care center in Troutdale, close to her daughter, Pam. Her family says that she made many friends with the attendants and residents and entertained all with her graciousness and exceptional dancing talents.
She is survived by sons and their spouses, Mike and Patty Gooderham, Steve Gooderham, and Bill and Denise Martens; daughter and spouse, Pamela and Dan Maggs; 11 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Al Martens; daughter, Susan Hart; and grandson, Ryan Hart.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Layton Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Center, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. CR131, Portland 97202.
La Grande Observer – Obituaries For The Week Ending August 25, 2007 – Published: August 25, 2007
Submitted by: Dixie Ricker