Grace M. Martin

Grace M. Martin, 83, of Powerhouse Rd., Glen Alpine, passed away Thursday, May 13, 2010, at home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 12, 1926 in Rizal Province, Philippine Islands to the late Leslie Rhea and Primativa Martinez Rhea. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and was also a mother to many through the years. Grace was very active with the Children’s Ministry at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, CA. She never met a stranger with whom she did not share the love of Jesus. She was a homemaker and provided daycare for children in her home for several years. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Taylor and Zana Tenor.Survivors include her devoted and loving husband of 52 years, Jim; sisters, Edith "Dee Dee" Love and husband, Dick, of Mishawaka, IN and Florence "Mickey" Yanase of Chatsworth, CA; sons, Robert John Martin and wife, Dawn, of Lee Summit, MO and Ronald James Martin and wife, Sandy, of Holland, MI; daughter, Marla Michele Martin of Glen Alpine; dear friend of the family, Pam Rigdon; and her constant companion, "Tipper". Grace adored her grandchildren, James Robert Martin, Kamaren Ashley Stevenson, Mandy Cooper, Preston Michael Stevenson, Alisha Michelle Martin, and Robert John "Bubby" Martin.A private internment service is planned for the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.