Marjie "Anena" J. Martin

Marjie "Anena" Martin, 89, passed away on June 22, 2023.  

She was born February 24, 1934, in Teton, Idaho to William Irvin and Anena Lucille McKinley Johnston. She was the second of four children. She grew up in Lincoln, Idaho. At a young age she developed a deep sense of work ethic and responsibility as she helped in the family store. She also took care of her mother from the tender age of 15, until her mother’s passing when she was 16 years old. She then took care of her younger brothers, becoming especially close to her brother Kent Johnston.

She was the first graduating class of Bonneville High School in 1952, graduating with honors, for which she was very proud. She loved her English, debate, and speech classes the most. She liked to spend time with her classmates and to participate in extracurricular activities.

She was sealed to Guy Eugene Martin on September 8, 1952, in the Logan, Utah Temple. Even though the doctors told her she would never bear children, she was ultimately blessed with six beautiful children: Bruce (Kathy) Martin of Pearl River, Louisiana; Lynette (Jeffrey) Chambers of Cedar Park Texas; Kevin Martin of Rexburg, Idaho; Eric Martin; Marie (Walter) Combs of Wasilla, Alaska; and Julie Martin of Pocatello, Idaho. She loved her children very much. Her biggest wish for them was for them to be happy. She loved spending time with her 18 grandchildren and her 39 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Anena taught herself to sew and she helped support her family with that talent. In the beginning, she worked at various clothing stores in Pocatello and would later go on to start her own business. It began out of her home, and then with a partner for a short time before opening her own shop in 1988. She was a shrewd businesswoman and took great pride in her work. She knew the names of every fabric and how to care for it. All the full-time missionaries got service for whatever they needed for free, like gum, altering pants, putting in hems or taking up dresses.

She was loyal to her LDS faith and took pride in the many positions she was called to serve in, especially her Primary callings. She served a couples mission in 1986 to the Nevada, Las Vegas Mission.

She was a firm believer in helping her fellow man and opened her home to many foster and displaced children. She was also a volunteer for CASA in her later years.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Carmen, Jack and Kent; her son, Eric Martin; and her husband, Guy Martin.

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