Sarah Ellen Martin was born in Walnut, Mississippi, the daughter of Samuel Durward Orman and Zilpha Maude (Hopkins) Orman on February 18, 1940 and departed this life on May 10, 2020 at Shepherd’s View in Alton, Missouri, at the age of 80 years.
She was united in marriage to Billy Dean Martin on January 6, 1963 at the First Baptist Church in Thayer, Missouri, who preceded her in death.
Ellen is survived by two sons, Mark Ryan Martin and wife, Monica of Thayer, Missouri and Scott Eric Martin and wife, Allison of Nashville, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Grant Remington Martin, Nicklaus Ryan Martin and fiancé, Jaci Herron, Gabriel Truman Martin, Jack Alexander Martin and Megan Nicole Martin; other relatives; and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Zilpha Orman; and one brother, Sammy Don Orman.
Ellen was a Christian and a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Thayer, Missouri.
She received her bachelor’s degree in education from Blue Mountain College in Mississippi. Ellen impacted in a positive way thousands of students’ lives during nearly thirty years of teaching English at Thayer High School.
After retiring from teaching and during the warmer months, she enjoyed transforming the grounds around her home into a botanical garden. Ellen was also interested in studying genealogy. She loved cats and had a strong compassion for all animals. Ellen was known for her chicken and dumplings. She was also known to play slot machines on trips with friends and family.
Ellen enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren. She did “surprise days” for her grandchildren, taking them shopping.
She never met a stranger and was overly generous at times. She will be greatly missed by her family and everyone who knew her.
Graveside services for Sarah Ellen Martin will be held on Friday, May 15, 2020, at 11:00 AM at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Brian Johnson officiating.
Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Thayer, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
