Deborah Linnet Martin

She was born on July 9, 1949 in Ottumwa, Iowa. She met her husband, Lester Martin, and partner for life during high school. They were married for 52 years. Debbie and Lester moved to Arizona in 1970, purchased a home to which they both resided their whole marriage.

They immediately started a family; having 3 children only 18 months apart from each other. Their home is about 920 sq ft with 1 bathroom and it was PERFECT for their family of five. The hardest but most rewarding job she ever held was a “stay at home mom” and her children could not have had a better mother and role model! Her children walked to elementary school with their loving mom watching every morning and yell once they arrived on school grounds from across the park/lake at the top of her lungs “Mom loves you! Have a good day!”. All of the children in the neighborhood soon met a second mom. She was always involved in school activities, hosted many sleepovers, planned dress up/play events, so many fun outdoor activities plus made food and goodies for anyone and everyone who stepped foot in the home. She always made sure that the ice cream truck was not missed. You may have been a recipient of her giving you “the eye” when you had a fun or sarcastic joke for her. This still brings out tons of laughter in the family.

Because she loved children so much she joined and became a certified member of the World Clown Association. She was a professional clown and face painter and was hired by top organizations (Toys-R-Us, Parada-Del-Sol, etc.) to host their events. She always did her VERY best to put a smile on every child’s face.

Debbie was also the dedicated Avon lady to many in her community. She ran a successful Avon business for over 30 years. Her children smile when they think back to many Christmases with their gifts being in some of the many Avon boxes at their house.

She was grounded in her faith and laid the foundation for her family as well. This meant church every Sunday, super fun camps, Awana on Wednesday nights and so much more. She was such a giving person and always encouraged her family to pray for others and go above and beyond to help anyone in time of need whenever able. Debbie soaked up the good in the simplest things and could see the beauty in just about everything. She dropped off popsicles to the local fireman weekly, she fed the homeless, she carried dog treats in her purse and so much more.

Debbie is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Lester along with her 3 beloved children Shane Martin, Misty Martin and Amy Roberds. She also leaves behind her 5 cherished grandchildren Kristal Lynn, Shey Roberds, Akira Martin, Joshua Martin and Chase Martin whom she loved just as much as, if not more than, her own children. She is also survived by her sister and brother-n-law Renae and Earl Hanes of Ottumwa, Iowa as well as many in her extended family. She was pre-deceased by her parents Harold and Bertha Carruthers, her sister Christine and her son-in-law Greg Roberds.

She will be missed by all who knew her; however, our family is confident that she is in her heavenly home and we will be together again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Martin family.