Obituary: Martin, Phyllis Jean (Alexander) “Jean”
Age 85
She was 85 years old.
Jean had lived for many years in Chattaroy, Washington, but in recent months made her home at Northpointe in Spokane, Washington.
Jean was born on July 3, 1927, in Billings, Montana, the daughter of Seldon Alexander and Lelah Dirl Alexander and the older sister of Carol Alexander Carlson and John (Jack) Alexander, all deceased.
She graduated from Billings Senior High School in 1945 and in 1954 obtained an A.A. from Eastern Montana College.
She worked as the Youth Director at the YWCA in Billings while obtaining her college degree and prior to her marriage.
In 1955 Jean married Michael Martin in Billings.
They were married for 47 years.
Jean was active in many volunteer activities in her church and community.
She taught arts and crafts for many summers at Clydehurst Christian Ranch, a church camp near McLeod, Montana.
She also led workshops on arts and crafts and on learning styles at the Christian Workers Conferences in Spokane, Washington.
Jean was very interested in helping children with learning difficulties and volunteered her time tutoring children and adults.
Jean was a talented artist and an accomplished seamstress, who enjoyed sewing for others.
She loved animals, especially ducks, and enjoyed watching the deer around her home in Chattaroy.
Jean leaves behind a daughter, Kathryn Martin Remington and son-in-law, David Remington of Hillsborough, North Carolina; a son, Michael Martin and daughter-in-law, Lauree Campbell Martin of Emmett, Idaho; four grandchildren, Jeremy Remington (wife Mindy) of Belmont, North Carolina, Abby Martin of Beijing, China, Bethany Remington of Madrid, Spain, Dusty Rose Martin (deceased) and Seth Martin of Austin, Nevada; one great-grandson, Daniel Remington of Belmont, North Carolina; a cousin, Helen Westrum of Cheney, Washington and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jean also leaves her beloved canine companion, Kashi.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Martin and a daughter, Michelle Marie Martin.
A graveside service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at Woodland Cemetery in Deer Park, Washington with a memorial service to be held at a later date.
LAUER FUNERAL HOME in DEER PARK will be handling the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions in the names of Mike and Jean Martin to Clydehurst Christian Ranch, (328 S. Shilo Road, Suite 1, Billings, Montana 59106), the church camp that was such a big part of their lives for so many years, or another charity of the donor’s choice.