Bonnie Lee Martin

Bonnie Lee Martin

Cedar Rapids

Bonnie Lee Martin: 1929 – 2024, of Cedar Rapids, IA. Born in Chariton, IA on the shortest day of the year, December 21, Bonnie brought more than her share of sunshine into the world. She was born to Leo Brown, an innovative businessman and Charlene (Crozier) Brown, a compassionate yet strong-willed mother; the result was Bonnie, a loving and classy soul.

As an only child, Bonnie grew up in southern Iowa during trying times of the depression and world war. She spent much of her childhood with her cousin James, who she viewed as a brother. They were inseparable helping on the family farm and Crozier General Store on the Chariton, IA square.

After graduating from Indianola High School, she continued her education at Colorado Women’s College in Denver, CO. Shortly thereafter she then embarked on an adventure as a stewardess with TWA. This was a time when air travel was an extravagance, and she commonly had celebrities on her flights. Frank Sinatra was a regular on the New York to Chicago run and some of her recollections of him and his traveling companions were somewhat spicy.

In 1950 she married her husband of 60 years, Mearl (Marty) Martin in Indianola, IA. They went on to have three children, Mark, Dawn and Paul. Bonnie was a member of PEO. Moving to Cedar Rapids, Bonnie was an active mother who orchestrated the recurrent activities of her children. Her Mercury Comet station wagon was in constant motion between baseball, swim and activities at First Presbyterian Church. Bonnie never learned how to swim and therefore all three kids were in swim lessons at a young age so they could save Mom if need be.

Bonnie is survived by her children, Mark (Becky) Martin of Kearney, MO and Dawn Rutledge of Vinton, IA; grandson, Sean Rutledge of Palo, IA; and great-grandchildren; Emma, Caiden, Ryder and Aunalee. Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Charlene Brown; her husband, Marty Martin; son, Paul Martin; grandson, Seth Rutledge.

A service will be scheduled in the future by Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, IA. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids assisted the family.

Memorials if desired may be made to Cedar Valley Humane Society or Country House Cedar Rapids Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be made at www.murdochfuneralhome.com.