Louise Martin
April 25, 1934 - July 31, 2022
Charleston, WV
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Louise Martin
April 25, 1934 - July 31, 2022
Charleston, WV
Obituary
Louise Martin died of natural causes on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the Hubbard House Hospice facility. She was 88 years old. Her mother named her Ruth Louise. However, Louise later decided to use her middle name.
She was born on April 25, 1934, in Charleston, WV. Her parents were Mr. and Mrs. Burton Martin.
Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Burton and Gail, and two brothers who died in infancy. Both of her parents were from Greenbrier County.
Louise never married and had no children. Any known relatives are also elderly. She attended Calvary Baptist Church in Charleston. She attended until a stroke made her housebound approximately five years ago.
She attended Stonewall Jackson High School. Her teaching certification was obtained after graduation from Concord College. She later attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Library Science.
Her teaching career was with the Kanawha County School System in Charleston. She was the school librarian at Sissonville, then John Adams Jr. High Schools. After retirement, she was a substitute teacher at various Kanawha County Schools. She also worked as a coordinator and guide at the World Travel Agency.
She enjoyed reading, traveling, arts and crafts, and hiking. With her father, she was a member of the Kanawha Trail Club for several years.
She loved animals, and always had at least one cat. One of her cats, Kiwi, lived to age 22 years. In childhood, she had a dog named Nikki, who protected her.
Her beloved cat, Patches, adopted her three years ago. He has kept her company and watched over her as well as any cat could.
She had a special passion for dancing throughout her life. In recent years, she performed with the Capital City Tappers and RM Productions, giving her final performance at age 82.
She is survived by special friends Jane Beman, Maggie Ginther, Nikki Lawman, and Jean Rick, a former student.
Funeral Service will be 12 Noon Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV, with Rev. Dr. Archie Snedegar officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Charleston, WV
Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
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Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston, WV, has been entrusted with the arrangements.
6 responses to Louise Martin
Paul Smith says:
July 9, 2023
A true friend and neighbor for over 50 years. I will never forget her and will always cherish our friendship.
Kanawha Co. Retired School Employees says:
September 10, 2022
The West Virginia and Kanawha County Associations of Retired School Employees extend their sincere sympathy to you, the family, in your sorrow. Blessings to all
Susan Conner says:
August 15, 2022
Louise was a Reader’s Digest style “Most Unforgettable Character.” Happy memories dancing with her, Maggie, & Nikki at Rose’s studio. Louise reminisced about her classical ballet training in the prestigious Mrs. Embleton’s studio. She recalled “riding to the hounds” in Loudon Heights, where a grove at the end of my road was a favorite spot for picnic lunches and watering horses. She was knowledgeable and opinionated about education and a wide range of subject matter, always interesting and colorful, never boring or bland. I was privileged to know her. Louise enriched my life. I think of her wearing her click-clack tap shoes (with grosgrain ribbon bows) in that great dance recital in the sky.
Carla Sutler Guthrie says:
August 14, 2022
Louise and I were raised a block apart on Charleston’s West Side. But I really got to know her well when I began teaching at John Adams JHS where she was the librarian. She loved books and wanted every student to develop a love for reading because she knew how important that skill would be in every part of their lives. Tap dancing and cats always brought big smiles to her face and and a hop to her step! And most importantly, Louise always conducted herself like a lady. She was a wonderful person. May perpetual light shine upon her.
Mary Horn says:
August 13, 2022
Although I didn’t have the opportunity to know Ms. Martin very long, I enjoyed our brief conversations when I delivered her Meals on Wheels lunches. Her engaging personality always shone through whenever we talked. I have missed her and those conversations. Rest in peace with God’s blessings.
Mary Horn