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23 November 1935

To

06 January 2021

Sara Lee Martin

Sara L. Martin Obituary On Wednesday, January 6, 2021, Sara Lee Martin, our loving mother, grandmother and friend passed away at the age of 85. Sara was born on November 23, 1935 in Filer, Idaho to Pearl M. (Hall) and William S. Stout. She was the youngest of her family. Sara always had a great love for her country. In February of 1954, Sara enlisted in the Women's Army Corp., as a medical specialist. She began her military basic training at Fort Lee, Virginia and then moved to Fort Sam Houston where she was stationed at the WAC student detachment medical field service school. After successfully completing her training, Sara was sent to Frankfurt, Germany for her first duty assignment. It was there that she met and fell in love with Jack Martin. (Although many in the family swear her first loves were John Wayne and Elvis.) They were married on February 11, 1956. And although her love for her country and her patriotism never ceased Sara honorably left the military with fond memories to raise the three beautiful children her and Jack shared. Upon their return to the states, Jack and Sara made a home in California. Sara began working as a waitress at a Carnation restaurant in Fresno. After several years, Sara was offered a management position within the Carnation family at a brand-new store. This was quite an accomplishment for Sara since management positions were not always available to women during that period in time. This career path that gave her the most pleasure. Her face would light up when she reminisced about her experiences there. After 17 years of marriage, Sara and Jack were divorced but remained friends. Jack still held a small piece of Sara's heart to the very end. Sara moved back to Idaho in 1978. She found a new love of camping, fishing, skinny dipping in Twin Springs, attending motorcycle rodeos and going to the Snake River Stampede. She made so many friends over the years. She never knew a stranger. Sara was always up for an adventure. The most memorable stories had come from camping trips and from those who spent time at Kendell's Bar. Sara lived life out loud and had so many happy memories. She shared with us how much she loved to Jitterbug back in the day. She would put up a strong fight if anyone were foolish enough to say they were a better driver than herself. When Sara did drive, we fondly remember her always repeating the phrases "We're burning daylight" and "All roads lead to Rome". Especially when we were late or lost! She could create precious memories out of every wrong turn. Her quick wit and sassy attitude never failed to entertain us. Memories of her sipping her shot of bourbon at the campfire, family gathering or any other occasion she could find, still makes us smile. Often, she would remind us that George Straight or Blake Shelton could "Park their boots under her bed any day" which always made us laugh. She had endless stories from working at Gem Stop on the Blvd. in Nampa, Cactus Pete's in Jackpot, NV and Paul's Bakery on 11th Avenue. Sara will always be remembered as small but mighty. Although she only stood at 4 foot 10 inches, she was a force to be reckoned with. Sara had the biggest heart and loved every single person in her family, in her own way. She loved all her grandbabies and their babies. They all brought a smile to her face, except when she was angry and chasing us trying to be a "disciplinarian". But it sure brought a smile to ours! There wasn't anything that she would not do for you if you needed it. You could always count on her love and understanding without the fear of judgement. Sara was preceded in death by her mother Pearl; father Willie; 5 sisters and 3 brothers. She is survived by her children: Rick (Kelly) Martin, Jay (Tammy) Martin and Debi (Gaylen) Downs; her 8 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and 9 great-great-grandchildren. Sara was blessed with a long and happy life with so many special moments. She danced when no one could hear a beat, laughed with us and at us, and was very proud of the legacy that her very presence here has left. Words cannot express how deeply she will be missed by every life she touched. Give everyone in heaven a hug for us. Until we meet again, remember, we love you the mostest mostest. A viewing will be held from 3 to 8 PM, Friday, January 15 at Zeyer Funeral Chapel, 83 N. Midland Blvd, Nampa. Graveside services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, January 22 at the Idaho State Veteran Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Rd, Boise. To read the obituary or express condolences please visit ZeyerFuneralChapel.com. 208-467-7300

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