Viola Martin, 86, Lefor, died Friday, February 24, 2017 at CHI St. Alexius Bismarck. Vi’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, Lefor with Fr. Biju Chitteth as celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth’s Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Tuesday.
She was born April 13, 1930 in Hettinger County, ND to Frank and Bertha (Jordan) Mayer. She grew up in the Mott community after a number of years living with her family in the eastern part of the state. She graduated from Mott High School and attended NDAC in Fargo for one year. Viola worked at the county judge office in Mott and as a secretary to the superintendent of the Mott School system.
She was married to Clarence Martin of Lefor on July 8, 1952 at St. Michael’s Church rural Regent. They made their home near Lefor on the family farmstead.
Viola was active in the church, community and school. She was a member of the choir, caring for church flowers and helping with preparation of special occasions. She was very interested in the area’s history and was a board member of the Stark County Historical Society for 37 years.
Her lifelong passions were music and flowers, but most of all, her family. She was deeply loved by her family and will be greatly missed.
Clarence and Viola were the parents of three children, Francis (Cindy) Martin, Laurie (David Ferderer) Martin and Lynne Martin. She was very involved in her family and found so much pleasure in her grandchildren, Shanna (Brian) Rowley, Brady (Samantha) Martin, Erika (Corey) Bower and Shay Ridl. She was especially excited about her great-grandson, Landon Rowley.
Surviving are her sister, Jean Reiner; brothers, Francis (Delila) Mayer and Lee (Carol) Mayer; and nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death was her husband, Clarence; son-in-law, Dan Haag; and her parents, Frank and Bertha Mayer.
Memorials are requested to be sent to the Right-to-Life organizations.
