Martha Ann Flora Whittern

July 06, 1926 - July 09, 2015

Martha Ann Flora Whittern

July 06, 1926 - July 09, 2015

Obituary

Martha Ann Whittern made her last move, to her final home in heaven quickly and peacefully. She was born in Hoagland, Indiana to Robert & Josephine Flora, the 3rd of 8 children. As the oldest daughter, she had many responsibilities, especially in caring for younger siblings. Martha Ann attended and graduated from school in Hoagland. While there she became aware of another student whose sweet tenor singing attracted her heart. She married him, Luman Whittern, in 1946 and they enjoyed 69 years as husband and wife. After supporting Luman through college, Martha Ann became a mother of 3 and a homemaker. Among other places, they lived in Union Township, Huntington, IN for 9 years, and Bloomington, IN for 48 years. Failing health brought them to Bellingham, WA to be near family for Martha Ann’s final 3 months.

Martha Ann had a strong faith in God and was involved in church, where she especially enjoyed volunteering in the nursery. She also enjoyed helping others, cooking and baking, cake decorating, gardening, bird and wildlife watching, growing flowers, making crafts, sewing, decorating the house for holidays, teaching line dancing, watching Lawrence Welk, and wintering in FL in their RV. Martha Ann never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone she met, even people passing in a store. This was a valuable asset in the job she and Luman had in retirement at Disney World, assisting guests in a resort cafeteria.

Martha Ann is survived by her husband Luman; her children June (& Tom) Cox, Ferndale WA, Lois (&Ted) Brandenburg, Hendersonville, NC, and Lynn (& Cheryl) Whittern, Lacey, WA; grandsons Josiah (&Heather) Cox, & Nathan Cox, all of WA; siblings Willis, “Bill” (& Doris) Flora of IN, brother-in-law Jake Fluke of IN, Dale (& Marilyn) Flora of IN, Elsie “Flora” (& Dutch) VanVranken of FL, Wayne (& Vicki) Flora of MO, and Rosie (& Winston) Lister of AZ.

Martha Ann was preceeded in death by her parents, Robert & Josephine Flora, her brother Glenn Flora & his wife Ruth, her sister Eileen Fluke, and her sister-in-law, Beulah Flora.

Martha Ann is remembered for her joy in being with her children and grandchildren, her parents when they were alive, other family, and friends and neighbors. Probably everyone who visited their Highpoint Ln. home remembers Martha Ann’s stuffed toy monkey that she had them pet, and how she pushed a button to make it squeal as they did so. She loved sharing her favorite photos with people. The family also remembers food she made: her vegetable beef soup, date-nut bread which was shared with many, gumdrop cookies, cherry pudding, and fried mush. Lois especially remembers cupcakes Martha Ann made so her school class could celebrate her near-Easter birthday. They had coconut she colored green and sprinkled over white frosting, and bunnies made with marshmallows that had faces drawn on with food coloring, and ears cut out of pink paper. The grandsons fondly remember Goose & Gander, stuffed toys Martha Ann had. She put them in different situations and pictures were taken of them. She put the pictures in a photo album and wrote a story to go with the pictures. When Grandma & Grandpa came to visit, so did Goose & Gander.
Even though Martha Ann’s mental capabilities were diminished by Alzheimers, she still helped other residents where she lived. Her bright smile, which is lovingly remembered, was still a part of her along with characteristics which made her uniquely Martha Ann. She delighted in each visit by family. Reminiscing, Luman says they had a good life.

Martha Ann will always be missed and loved. The hearts of those who love her are at peace knowing she is in the presence of Jesus, her Savior. She is full of joy and peace with a sound mind, body, and spirit.

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt 11:28

Martha Ann’s remains will be interred at some time in the future in Markle, IN.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: July 28, 2015 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes - Ferndale
  • Location: 2039 Main St Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)

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4 responses to Martha Ann Flora Whittern

  1. Rosie Lister says:

    What a beautiful memory of Martha Ann. I have a lot of memories of my own. We had lots of good times. Being my oldest sister, she was like a second Mother to me. I cherish those memories. I loved the pictures and the video. I cried as I read the last line, she always said, “Give each other a hug for me”. We will miss her!
    Love to all the family, Rosie & Wimp

  2. We are so sorry for the loss of you wife, mother, grandmother. The photos here portrayed the joy of life Mrs. Whittern had that extended to her family and now us. I (Suzanne) met her a few times during their visits to June and familly in Seattle. It is especially poignant to see the fuller picture of her life. Thanks for sharing and know we keep your family in our prayers.

  3. I extend my condolences to my family members and to everyone who knew my mother, Martha Ann.
    When I was very young my mother’s sister Rosie sent letters to me addressed from Elsworth the Elephant. Looking back, I realize the great patience my mother had, as I asked her over and over to read the letters to me (and yes, I actually thought I was receiving letters from an elephant!)

    The amazing thing is, my mother never seemed to tire from reading the same letters. She always had a smile on her face when she read them. Those were special times.
    Lynn Byron Whittern

  4. I am only a casual acquaintance of Luman as a fellow ECC choir member. My husband and I have only been at ECC for 10 years now, and I did not know Martha, EXCEPT, that a few times I met her – first time at Kroger – and she started to chatter with me like I was an old friend. I loved it! Having just seen the video, your mother and wife was a beautiful lady! It is a reminder to all of us that when we know people only after they are in the winter years of their lives, that they too once were young and vibrant, and that the physical and mental deterioration that occurs has nothing to do with the spirit that remains in us and that makes us created in the image of God. May your family mourn and laugh well at all the rich memories, until you see her again. Luman I know you are missing her so much, and our prayer for comfort in the hope of eternity with the Lord are with you. You will all see her again! PTL!

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