Charles O. Martratt

Charles Martratt passed from this life into the next with his daughter Sherrie by his side on April 13, 2012, after a short illness at Josephine Sunset Home in Stanwood. He was born July 3, 1920 in Albany, N.Y., to Charles A. and Bella Lema Martratt. He was raised in Albany and attended schools there.

In 1939 Charles married Virginia Rendo in Albany and together they raised two children, Sherrie Lyn and Charles Austin. He entered the US Navy during WWII and served in the South Pacific on various ships serving as Storekeeper Second Class. He was honorably discharged in March 1946 and remained a member of the LST Association.

In 1950, Charles, Virginia and Charles Jr. moved to Billings, Mont., where Charles worked for Meadow Gold Dairy for 33 years. In 1953, their daughter Sherrie Lyn came along and completed their family.

In 1987, Charles and Virginia moved to Oak Harbor on Whidbey Island to be close to their daughter Sherrie and granddaughters Amy and Corie. They stayed active and involved in their community and church. Charles was a longtime member of the Masonic Lodge in Billings, Mont., and Oak Harbor for more than 50 years.

Charles is survived by son Charles A. (Joyce) Martratt, of Guam and daughter Sherrie L. (Frank) Gentry, of Stanwood. He and Virginia had five grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. His grandchildren, Charles, Alice, Melinda, Corie and Amy were the light of his life and they truly all loved him. Charles was most excited when he got visits from great granddaughters Mia, Skyla and Kaylee who visited him at his home at Josephine’s as often as they could. He was so proud to show them off to all his friends there! He will be missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service with for Charles was held at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church on April 19, followed by inurnment with Military Honors at Maple Leaf Cemetery in Oak Harbor.

The family suggests contributions may be made in Charles Martratt’s name to Josephine Sunset Home, 9901 272nd Pl NW, Stanwood, WA. 98292. Friends and family may go online at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com to sign a guest book and leave memories of Charles.