Vivian Martin

VIVIAN LUCILLE MARTIN

Amana

On Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, having lived a most awesome life, I passed through the valley into paradise.

I was the only child born to Elizabeth Ann (Tepy) Noeller and Richard Thomas Noeller on their second wedding anniversary.

On June 25, 1949, I was united in marriage to Richard Vernon Martin and soon welcomed three awesome children into our lives: Vicki (Brian) Walshire, Lauri (Larry) Tow and Thomas Richard Martin. More blessings followed with six fantastic grandchildren: Therese Wheeler, Tia (Nick) Wiebold, Chelsey (Jason) Dingbaum, Ryan Martin, Emily (Paulo) Marcantonio and Joseph (Whitney Free) Martin.

In time, five equally fantastic great-grandchildren followed: Caitlyn Wheeler, Charles and Maria Dingbaum, Dominic Marcantonio and Devyn Wiebold. I am so blessed, honored and proud of you all.

My wish I leave to you is to keep faith, kindness, love, humor and happiness in your heart always.

The following article was given to me by Donna Rohrssen, a creed I truly believe in and tried my best to follow.

At birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they always will travel on our side. However, at some station, our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone.

As time goes by, other people will board the train, and they will be significant, i.e. our siblings, friends, children and the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don't realize they vacated their seats.

This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectation, hellos, goodbyes and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers, requiring that we give the best of ourselves.

The mystery to everyone is: We do not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and be the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty, we should leave beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. Most importantly, thank God for the journey.

Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train.

I choose not to have any memorial service. Private burial will be at a later date in Anderson Cemetery, Swisher, Iowa. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Any memorials may be given to charities that help children.