Willa Mae Martin

Willa Martin, 87, New Haven, Missouri, departed this world on Saturday, April 17, 2010, at New Haven Care Center in New Haven, Missouri with her husband, Chuck and daughter, Joyce by her side.
She was born on June 12, 1922, in Knoxville, Tennessee to Oscar and Hattie (Garland) Goin. As an infant, she lived alternately in Knoxville and Saskatchewan, Canada where her parents worked a 600-acre wheat farm. She was one of three children and the family eventually settled in Lapel where Willa received her schooling. She later married the late Theodore Aldred in Lapel and bore two children. Willa divorced in 1958.
Willa was employed by General Motors in Anderson as an assembly line worker. She later became a US civil service employee in Indianapolis and Battle Creek, MI and it was during this career that she received many outstanding awards for her work. She remained in this career in service to her country until 1982 when she retired as a Military Personnel Management Specialist in St. Louis, Missouri.
She met Charles A. Chuck Martin in 1966 in St. Louis, Missouri where he was also a civilian working for the military. They were married February 14, 1973. This union enriched Willas life and that of her family beyond measure. She and Chuck traveled extensively around the United States after their retirement. Willa loved dogs and had many canine companions throughout her life. She enjoyed the abundance of wildlife around her Washington, Missouri home particularly the many species of wild birds.
She is survived by her husband, Charles Allen Martin; one daughter, Joyce Ellen Aldred of Santa Rosa, CA; three grandchildren, Valery (Kerry) Bourke and Geoffrey Sterling Aldred both of Anderson, and Jennifer (Raymond) Compestine of Lapel; six great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, William Thomas (Barbara) Smith of St. Augustine, FL; sister-in-law, Katy (the late Darwin) Martin of Depew, NY; two nieces, Patsy (Richard) Whaley, and Patty Gay Whaley both of Knoxville, TN, and Brenda J. Smith (Fred Smart); two nephews, James Smith of Indianapolis, and Richard "Ricky" (Penny) Whaley of Knoxville, TN.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Fred Sterling Aldred; a sister Trula (Paul) Hoke; and a brother, Roger Vance (Kathleen) Goin.
Graveside will be held at 10:00 am Thursday, April 22, 2010, at Brookside Cemetery in Lapel with Pastor Doug Barton officiating and burial will follow.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm Wednesday, April 21, 2010, at Scott E. Hersberger Funeral Home, 1010 North Main Street, Lapel.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff of New Haven Care Center for the loving care and attention paid to Willa during her final months. Willa loved her church family of the First United Methodist Church of Washington, Missouri and the family wishes to thank them for their devotion and support during Willas illness.
Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, 4349 Saint Johns Road, Washington, MO 63090-5749 or the Alzeheimer's Association.

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