Rosalie Martin Twist

Rosalie Ann (Bentley) Martin-Twist was born September 29, 1927 in Freeport, IL. Being the middle child of three must have begun the wanderlust that ran through her. In her teens, and even into her later years, she spent many a day at the beach, enjoying the surf and sometimes even getting pounded by it. This only served to encourage her to keep going to see what was over that proverbial next wave; a metaphor for how she would enjoy her life.

Taking to the skies, she had a pilots license before obtaining a driver's license. She would use phone books to boost her up so she could see out the cockpit window while taking part in flying cross country aeronautical races and having articles written about her in newspapers and trade magazines.

Always wanting to do something extra by exploring, traveling, learning, and trying new things, she had “captive audiences” when taking her kids on trips. Most of those trips weren’t just to see some touristy site, but to climb mountains, camp while sleeping under the stars, counting them as they fell and as she fell asleep. On another trip, she was hoping the kids wouldn’t wake up while a bear walked through the campsite as she readied herself to climb the next mountain. Rosalie looked for that sense of accomplishment. Not only was the mountain there, she had to climb it, too. To prove that point, she made her way to the top of Mt. Whitney and attempted Mt.Rainier. On one of the many trips along the coast of California and Oregon, there wasn’t a “scenic turnout” that was safe from Rosalie stopping the car to see what was new around that next bend.

She often participated in classes and lecture series ranging from painting, pottery, mosaics, geology, cultures, etc. As a result, there were day trips to paint scenic outlooks, other trips to “hunt” rocks in the desert and see lava flows, and even a trip to Mexico and Central America to see ancient Mayan ruins. If family or friends lived far away, it was an excuse to travel. Whether it was a simple trip to Northern California, or trips to go snow skiing (learned when she was 50, quit at 91 years old) or even getting her mom and sister to travel to England and also see her nephew in Morocco, there was always an interest in wanting to learn something new, and to see and experience more adventures.

Rosalie worked for IBM and eventually retired with more than 25 years of service. A few years before retirement, mutual friends arranged a blind date with Rosalie and Gerald (JT) Twist that led to a second marriage for both of them. They were married nearly 37 years. Soon into their marriage, Rosalie captured JT into the same sense of exploration. Together, they embarked on travels far and wide that included trips to many corners of the globe, 6 continents in total. There were several skiing trips to the Sierras, Rockies, and Canada (JT learned to ski at an older age than Rosalie!). They participated in slalom races and enjoyed many great runs with their ski buddies. The both of them would drive far and wide to see other family and friends in the West, Midwest, and East Coast, along with a variety of camping trips to the mountains and beaches. They were extremely close, loving each other dearly and holding hands while Rosalie went to Heaven.

Preceding her in death, son Richard Martin, parents Mabel (Munyon) and Dewey Bentley, younger brother Gerald and older sister Evelyn. Surviving is her husband JT, daughter Holly Martin, son Paul Martin (Paula), grandson Joshua Martin, stepson David Twist (Marci) and David’s children Kevin, Stacey, and Brian and their children, along with several nieces and nephews, greats and otherwise.

Rosalie was well grounded in her faith and was a member of Christ Lutheran Church, Costa Mesa for over 65 years.

A visitation for Rosalie will be held Wednesday, March 15, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary, 1702 Fairhaven Avenue, Santa Ana, CA 92705, followed by a funeral service from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorial.com for the Twist family.