Marty Samme Glen Elliott

It is with great sadness that the family of Marty Samme Glen Elliott, announces his passing on July 9, 2025. Marty was born May 19, 1961, in Hanford, California to James Robert and Lois Geraldine (Geri) Elliott.

Marty was the youngest of 3 boys, growing up in the El Rancho neighborhood, riding bikes, motorcycles, and ATCs. As a young boy, he spent many weekends in the mountains, hunting, fishing, and running hounds with his Daddy Glen and Uncle Red. His mother frequently took him to see Dr. Olivas or Dr. Hagan on a Monday morning for a shot after he’d found his way into poison oak following hounds.

He attended Kit Carson Elementary and graduated from Hanford High School in 1979. He enjoyed working on anything with a motor; taking them apart to see how they worked and putting them back together. He worked at various truck and equipment shops over the years as a heavy diesel mechanic, before joining the City of Hanford in the fleet department in 1998.

He loved to work and stay busy with his hands. Marty loved music, Fords, and being outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt, ride horses in the backcountry, work on equipment, and sit around a campfire and talk to friends over a cold beer.

He had a special bond with his brother, Kinney, and his family, and went on numerous trips with them over the years. Losing his father at a young age, Kinney filled a void and their relationship was special. His mother was his “hero”; she was strong, supportive, and worked hard to ensure he was able to continue to do things he otherwise would have missed out on after losing his father. She later remarried, and his stepfather, Lonnie Clement became a constant in his life, providing support and a friendship he treasured.

Marty met his wife of 30 years, Diana Gilbert, in the El Rancho neighborhood when they were children. They married in 1995 and loved one another fiercely, enjoying fishing and camping trips, working in the yard together, and spending time with one another and family. They truly loved being in one another’s company. A day didn’t go by without a hug or an “I love you” shared between the two.

He was a daily presence in his children’s lives, attending sporting and school events, chaperoning field trips, helping with 4-H and FFA projects, answering a call or text, or enjoying Sunday dinner at home. He gained his best friend the day his son, James Robert was born. They spent hours together working in the yard and shop, hunting, fishing, and enjoying one another’s company. Stephanie kept him on his toes as a child but their love for one another and bond was apparent. She was by his side as he faced numerous medical issues these last few years. Nothing he needed was too much of an ask…a pedicure, haircut, a visit to a medical procedure; she was there for him, and he knew it. Amanda and Christine were his oldest daughters. They enjoyed camping trips to Utah, fishing at Wishon, and spending time with their dad as children. He was proud of them and the direction they took as adults.

Some of his most fulfilling times during his illness were rocking his granddaughter, Nora in his chair. Marty never missed the opportunity to rock his children and granddaughters when they were babies. He also treasured visits with Anna and the opportunity to share special moments with her.

Marty is survived by his wife, Diana; children James Robert Elliott (Sophia), Stephanie Vander Weerd (Richard), Christine Hagemeier (Andy), and Amanda Elliott; his brother Kinney; stepfather Lonnie Clement; granddaughters Nora Elliott and Anna Hagemeier, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents James Robert Elliott and Geri Elliott-Clement; brother Doug Elliott; sister-in-law Cheryl Elliott.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 25 at People’s Funeral Chapel in Hanford, followed by a reception at the Hanford Fraternal Hall.

There are no words to express how blessed and grateful we are for our family and friends through this difficult time. A heartfelt thank you to the staff at DaVita Dialysis in Visalia, Sequoia Regional Cancer Center in Visalia, as well as the numerous medical staff we have met these last few years.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of the man who would have rescued every stray dog he came across, please consider making a donation to your local animal shelter, or to other causes close to Marty’s heart, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation.