Nadine Gloria Martin

Born in Burlington, Washington to Grace & Mr. Jones on September 29, 1924, Nadine went to be with her Lord in January of 2024. A few years after her birth she was given a sister, Mavis. Grace later married Edward L. Woodwick and Nadine and Mavis were given a brother, Larry. The family moved up and down the Washington and Oregon Coast before settling in Spokane, where Edward worked for Western Fruit Express. Nadine was young when the Great Depression hit and she always said that she and her siblings never realized it because her parents always found a way to provide for them. Nadine grew up with a strong bond with her siblings that continued until their deaths. 

Nadine married Wallace Wendt in August of 1942 and they had three children: Gary, James, and Gayle. Wallace and Nadine divorced eight years later.

Nadine then married William Loren Struck in November of 1950 and had a son, William Loren, Jr.. Loren and Nadine divorced five years later.

Nadine married Leon Martin in March of 1956 and had two sons: Michael and Matthew. Leon had two sons from his first marriage: Daniel and Richard. Leon and Nadine stayed married until the Lord called Leon back to Heaven in 2001.

Nadine was mostly a home maker by trade but did take on jobs when unforeseen expense came up. During the Korean Conflict she went to work for a military aircraft manufacturer because she was worried her husband would be called to duty with the Navy. In the mid sixties she took a job with Kodiac Coach because it was a harsh winter and the family car needed snow tires; she worked for a resident at the Hawthorn Manor tending to her needs; she worked at Spokane Community College in the lunchroom to help with the extra expenses of her two youngest sons being in high school. Nadine also took on several volunteer jobs and did a lot of babysitting of her grandchildren. 

Nadine and Leon were members of the Whitworth Presbyterian Church. They were active members of the Buchaneers Group and Leon served as a Deacon. They both did volunteer work for the church and Buchaneers which included the annual Ice Cream Social and cooked at church camping events. Nadine’s two youngest sons were also active members of the church and participated in youth activities and volunteered for events.

Nadine was a member of Eastern Star, a branch of the Masonic Temple. She enjoyed spending time with her mother in Eastern Star along with her father, husband, and other family members of the Masonic Lodge. Nadine spent hours as a volunteer at the lodge for special events.

Nadine’s interests were family and the outdoors. She would work for hours in her flower gardens, making sure no weeds made their way into them and the lawns were watered and mowed. She loved camping and being with family outdoors. Pictures and home movies showed the love, laughter and closeness of the family while camping. Nadine was always the one to go to when the family needed support - and that will be missed. Nadine was always excited to welcome a new grandchild into the family and would always express interest in kissing those “sugar buns” (buttocks). She never did- but the terms “sugar buns” became common with the family and was the topic of a lot of jokes. Nadine was also a jokester and had a great sense of humor, she was always ready for a good laugh or prank with the family. Nadine also enjoyed going to the casinos and playing slot machines with family. She would plug those machines for hours and always came out ahead and enjoyed visiting a buffet afterwards.

In her final years of life Nadine was a resident at Fairview Assisted Living, she was loved by staff and residents. She was placed there because she was failing to thrive and needed extra socialization. Within a month Nadine blossomed into a person almost not recognized by family: she would walk the halls blowing kisses, saying ‘I Love you’ and eager to converse. At the end of her life, the staff and residents became Nadine’s extended family. She is missed by all that knew her.

Nadine is survived by her daughter Gayle Walsh (Wendt) and sons William, Michael, and Matthew. She is also survived by many grand, great-grand, and great-great-grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Nadine is preceded in death by her parents; siblings; husband; sons Gary, James, Daniel; and grandchild Sara.

A private graveside gathering will be held on February 10^th.

Memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospital or Hospice