Martha Eileen Youngsman, 93, was called home to the Lord on Oct. 9, 2011 at Whidbey General Hospital, Coupeville. She was born May 16, 1918 in Winters, Calif., to Frank and Ella (Harrington) Sacks. Martha attended school in California and later worked in the food industry, where she met her future husband John Youngsman. Martha and John were married in 1939 and lived a while in California before moving back to John’s hometown, Oak Harbor, Wash. They were married for 48 years when John passed away in May of 1987.
Martha served as cook at the First Reformed Church Camp at Camp Moran on Orcas Island and worked as a cook for the Oak Harbor School District for many years. Martha was an excellent seamstress, sewing and ironing for many Navy wives and also did crocheting, knitting, needlepoint and embroidery and custom draperies.
Bowling was a big part of Martha’s life, bowling on the Acorn and senior leagues. She was a long-time member of the First Reformed Church of Oak Harbor and a member of the Christian Women’s Guild. She was also a member of the women’s walking group from church. For many years, she enjoyed her Scrabble group, playing with Dena Heller, Ada Gordon and Jessie Eerkes.
She leaves behind her children: Marthella Ayersman and husband Earl of Lakeland, Fla.; John Youngsman and companion Debra “Fitz” Fitzwater of Oak Harbor, and Donna Friend and husband Gary of Mount Vernon; 8 grandchildren, Steve Ayersman, Mike (Rosa) Ayersman, Eric Ayersman, Chris (Leah) Friend, John Youngsman, Jason Youngsman and Jennifer (Randy) Peschel; 19 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Her husband John J. Youngsman, 8 brothers and sisters and grandsons Shawn Youngsman and Curtis Friend preceded her in death.
Visitation for Martha Youngsman will be at Wallin Funeral Home, Monday, Oct. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to noon. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18. at Fircrest Cemetery and memorial services will follow at 2 p.m. at the First Reformed Church with Pastor Jon Brown officiating. A reception will follow in Wezeman Hall.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.wallinfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor.
