Marilyn Martinez

Marilyn B. Martinez, formerly Marilyn Adele Berry, was born in Portland, Ore., on Sept. 11, 1936, the daughter of James A. and Bernice A. Berry.

After graduating from Lincoln High School, she subsequently joined the U.S. Air Force, where she later met John G. Martinez and married him in June 1956. They were married in a little chapel in Las Vegas, Nev.

The couple had four children, Anita, John, Lisa and James Martinez.

Throughout the years, they lived in Florida, California, Idaho and eventually settled in Florence, Ore., in Oct. 2002.

Marilyn was an avid reader and a prolific poetry writer. Her love for poetry brought into fruition many poems that she shared with friends and relatives.

Marilyn was a loving mother who cared dearly for her children and her husband, John, up until she departed to be with her parents.

She is survived by her lifelong love and fantastic husband, John; her four children, Anita, John, Lisa and James; 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her brother, Kenneth Berry of Portland, Ore.; and a sister, Shea Kurtz of McClure, Pa., also survive her.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 5, 2006, at 2 p.m. at Burn's Riverside Chapel in Florence, Ore.