Martha Ekstrand

Martha “Marti” Ekstrand (née Oberpriller), aged 85, passed away on September 6, 2024, in Katy, Texas. Marti was born in Wartenberg, Bavaria, Germany on April 7, 1939, immigrated to the United States in 1955, and became a proud American citizen in 1960. Marti was a spirited and loving individual, cherished by all who knew her.

After graduating from La Puente Union High School, Marti married Bennet Ekstrand and together they raised sons Barry and Brent. When the boys were in their teens, Marti decided to further her education at Chaffey College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Nursing. Devoted to caring for others, she became a Registered Nurse and embarked on a fulfilling career as a Cardiac Care Nurse, touching the lives of many with her expertise and compassion.

A woman of joy and resilience, Marti loved traveling, experiencing other cultures, and creating memories around the world. Hawaii was a favorite travel destination for Marti with her husband Bennet, and she relished opportunities to visit relatives in Germany. Marti loved family above all else, and her life was a reflection of her passions and the deep love she had for her family.

Marti is survived by her sons, Barry and Brent Ekstrand; daughter-in-law, Deborah Ekstrand; granddaughters, Evanne Cray (Kevin), Stephanie Williams (Lee), Victoria Wright (Chris), and Natalie Ekstrand; great-granddaughters, Scarlette and Nia Williams; siblings, Josefine Pairis, Rosemarie Owens, and Frank Oberpriller; sister-in-law, Mary Oberpriller; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bennet Ekstrand; parents, Franz and Maria Oberpriller; siblings, Franz Oberpriller and Elizabeth Quintero; and brother-in-laws, Dom Quintero and Rudy Pairis.

A funeral service will be held on September 27, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the Draper Mortuary Chapel in Ontario, California, with a graveside service to follow at 2:30 pm at Bellevue Memorial Park cemetery. Draper Mortuary of Ontario, California is assisting the family with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to Breakthrough T1D (formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) in memory of Marti, who was always eager to support advancements in healthcare and research.