Veneda Martin

Veneda Martin, 92-years-young, entered into her eternal life at her home on November 2, 2014. At first the angels stood behind her bed guarding her every breath and as her breathing began to fade the angels hovered above her gently lifting her spirit into the heavenly arms of God. What a grand and glorious reunion with family and friends awaiting her arrival. Veneda was born April 18, 1922 to John and Lucy Cameron and a family of five brothers. She started school at the age of four (1926) when walking to school was the only mode of transportation, unless the snow was so deep her dad would hitch up the team of horses to the sled and off to school she went. She continued her education at the country school until the age of 13 (1935) at which time she attended the Bloomfield High School, graduating with the class of 1939. Married in 1942 to Harlden Martin, the union was blessed with four children. After living in Colorado for several years, she returned to Iowa with her husband and family in 1964. No stranger to hard work, she did the housekeeping for families in Bloomfield while attending high school, her first job with the public was at Places Dime Store. She was a stay-at-home mom, raising her children. A large vegetable garden, raising chickens, a pet turkey, and being a farmer’s wife was a labor of love. She was employed with the ammunition plant in Burlington, then went on to become head cook for the senior centers meal sites in Pulaski and later in Bloomfield. Veneda retired from that position at the age of 79, after 19 years of service, where she prepared delicious meals, balanced the budget, and was a friend to many. She was a charter member of the Church of the Nazarene which she attended her entire life. Her start in the church began as a young girl when she attended with her parents at the first Church of the Nazarene in Bloomfield. She served as Sunday school teacher, pianist, board member, steward, was in charge of the children’s Sunday school department, vacation bible school, and many other activities. A mentor too many who were blessed to have her as their teacher. Veneda lived on the century family farm where she grew up. She enjoyed all her many flowers including lilacs, peonies, and the climbing rose vine started by her maternal grandmother, Mary Caldwell, which continued to bloom each spring. Veneda was devoted to her family with whom she enjoyed spending time with. Whether it was a family gathering or attending a grandchild’s dance recital, graduation, or baseball game, nothing mattered more than spending time with family. She remains the steadfast matriarch of the family. With much love, respect, and appreciation of your wisdom we celebrate you and your life. Those left to remember Veneda are her children, Larry (Vicki) Martin of Ottumwa, Leroy (Pam) Martin of Bloomfield, Kathy (Partner Joni Wilcox) Feldmann of Ankeny, Kerilee Martin of Des Moines; grandchildren, Cathy, Aimee, Angie, Eric, Brandon, Mallory, Julie, and Jeff; a step-grandson, Scott; 27 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren with two more on the way. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harlden; two grandchildren, Brett and Lori; grandson-in-law, Albert Bosshart; step-grandson, Corey Moore; and companion, Merl Jackson. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, November 7, 2014 at the Grace Pointe Church of the Nazarene in Bloomfield. Burial will be at the Lester Cemetery in Davis County. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday with the family present to greet friends from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Wagler Funeral Home in Bloomfield. A memorial has been established to her family.

Veneda Martin

April 18, 1922 - November 2, 2014