Mercedes Marie Martin

Mercedes Marie Martin went back to our Lord and Savior on March 5th,

2011 after a long full life. She passed peacefully with the love of

her life, husband of 67 years Laron Pratt Martin Sr at her side.

She was born on April 5th, 1921in Miami Florida. She met Laron on a train in Tennessee during World War II. They were married on December 4th, 1943 in Texas. They worked together in the ship yards in Tacoma,

Washington where she was a welder in support of the war. From there

they took a steam ship to Alaska where they made their home for the

next 50 years. They raised one daughter Nadara and one son Laron Jr.

She assisted her husband in building their insurance and real-estate

business. She was an active member of the Anchorage Women's Club.

She had great stories to tell of the 1964 earthquake. They were blessed with six grandchildren, Deborah, Susan, Laron, Christina, Martin and Murray, and seven great grandchildren, Katelyn, Joshua, Triston, Hannah, TJ, Baron and Samantha. A son who lived only hours and two grandchildren, Susan and Murray were there to greet her as she passed from this world. She was often described as a gentle and gracious lady by those who knew her. Her generosity will never be forgotten and she will be held in the hearts of those who love her forever.

Services were held at the Keith & Keith Funeral Home on Ninth Avenue in Yakima, Washington on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 3 p.m.