Belva JeNeal Martin

JeNeal was born on September 29, 1936, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, in the home of her parents, Eugene and Delila Martin. She was one of four children, though she never met her brother Harold, who passed away at the age of seven. The family moved frequently, living in places such as Clarfield, Rexburg, and Mountain Home, Idaho, and Hanford, Washington before finally settling in Richland, Washington.

JeNeal attended Sacajawea Grade School, where she proudly served as a Patrol Girl, and later graduated from Columbia High School (RHS) in 1955. She helped her parents run the Hi-Spot Club, a teenage sock-hop venue, serving as the cashier.

Following high school, JeNeal attended Brigham Young University. She moved to Seattle in 1957 and initially worked as an assistant teacher at a Montessori school. In 1960, she embarked on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Canadian Mission, led by President Thomas S. Monson. She often said that serving a mission was the best thing she ever did, and she cherished the memories of her time in the mission field.

After returning from her mission in 1962, JeNeal began a long and distinguished career with the Boeing Company, where she worked for over 30 years before retiring. She was proud of her work, which involved assisting with the preparation of highly confidential documents.

A lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with pioneer heritage, JeNeal was deeply involved in her faith community. She belonged to the Daughters of Utah Pioneers and volunteered for many years at the Family History Center for the North Seattle Stake, helping others discover their roots.

JeNeal had a passion for travel, visiting numerous countries in Europe, including England and Denmark, where some of her ancestors originated. She often fondly recalled her trip to Austria to see the sites from “The Sound of Music.” An avid reader, JeNeal loved being surrounded by books, especially histories, biographies, and mysteries, but closest to her heart were the scriptures and books written by church leaders.

JeNeal had a lovely soprano voice and enjoyed singing in church choirs and ensembles. She also performed in church productions, notably playing Auntie Em in “The Wizard of Oz” and one of the aunts in “Arsenic and Old Lace.”

Though JeNeal never had children of her own, she was deeply devoted to her nieces and nephews and took great joy in every addition to her extended family. She had a special love for teaching children at church, especially the “Sunbeams” (3-4 year olds), serving as a Primary teacher for several decades. She remembered each child’s birthday and sent cards for various occasions throughout the year, ensuring her

students always felt the love of their Heavenly Father.

JeNeal was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Delila Martin, and her brothers Harold, Arthur, Jerry, and Ted Eckersley Martin.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews:

● Pattie Blakeman and her children Jakson and Alison, as well as grandson Charlie (son of Jakson).

● Marty Martin (Connie) and their children Nick, Cassandra, and Tanner

● Ashley Summers (Arlen) and their children Dawson, Ben, and Emily

● Cory Martin (Sandra) and their children Matthew and Conner

● Dustin Martin (Ada) and their children Brady and Mikayla

● Ryan Martin (Silver) and their child William

● Cameron Martin (Sadia)

● Scott Martin (Melissa) and their children Spencer and Darin

● Anne Lorraine Martin

● Christopher Martin (Hilary) and their children Weston, Carter, Ryder, and Gage

JeNeal’s legacy of love, devotion to faith, and her cheerful spirit will forever be cherished by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

A funeral service for JeNeal will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel, located at 2415 31st Ave W, Seattle, WA 98199, on Saturday, July 13, at 11:00 a.m. A viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral services. Arrangements have been made by Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home and Cemetery.