Grace Martin

Madison, Wisconsin / Mesa, Arizona - Grace J. Martin (nee Valleskey), age 89, passed away peacefully at home in Mesa on Sunday, January 25, 2015. She was born on January 11, 1926 to Martin and Anna (Schwalbe) Valleskey in Collins, Wisconsin.

Grace was united in marriage to Vernon J. Martin on June 15, 1946. They met during high school in Marshall, Wisconsin, and lived there for many years. He preceded her in death in 2000. Grace was a devout Christian, who found inspiration by reading the Bible daily. She was a member at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church while in Madison, and a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa. She loved music and was a church organist at several churches. She enjoyed the outdoors and reading to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was formerly a member of the Madison Curling Club and enjoyed golfing, biking, and swimming. Grace loved to travel and visit relatives and friends all over the country.

Grace is survived by her son, David J. Martin of Madison; daughter, Nancy (Bob) Beffel of Mesa; three grandchildren, James (Tiffany), and their children, Andrew and Tyler; Jonathan (Natashia) and their child, Jayna; and Daniel; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband and siblings. Grace will be deeply missed by all those who she touched.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2015 at CHRIST MEMORIAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2833 Raritan Road, Fitchburg, with Pastor Matt Wipperman presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. For those in Arizona, a memorial service will be held at St. Luke Lutheran Church at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, c/o El Zaribah Shrine, 552 N 40th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008 or www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/donations selecting: SHC - Salt Lake City, in memory of Grace Martin.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service
3610 Speedway Road, Madison
608-238-3434
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www.cressfuneralservice.com