Mabel Martin

On Tuesday, 1/17/2012, a loving Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister, and Aunt passed away. We know, without a doubt, that she is with God. Mabel Rose Marshall Martin was born 8/30/1919 to Oliver Leroy and Clara Elva (Taylor) Marshall at her parents' farm in Oakville Township. She was baptized at the Oakville Methodist Church. Mabel graduated from high school in Emerado during the difficult time of the Great Depression. She married Robert Blaine Martin on 10/11/1938. As a farmer's wife, Mabel said farming was not a hobby - it was lots of hard work and always a gamble. She and her husband Bob raised Herefords, sheep, pigs, chickens, turkeys, and had a huge garden--all of which fed a growing family during lean years. She raised five children and later spoiled 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Mabel said, "I didn't regret all of the work I did. I raised a family to be proud of". Mabel had an open-door policy for anyone needing a place to stay and the food was always on. She loved to cook and bake and would always set extra plates for whoever showed up at meal-time. People knew that Mabel cooked wonderful meals and usually planned to show up. She carried hot noon meals out to the field during seeding and harvesting, in addition to taking out morning and afternoon lunches. Mabel always had to cook and clean for hired men. Holidays always drew a large crowd. Mabel was an active member of her community, including membership in the Rebekah's and the school P.T.A. She served as the Emerado School Treasurer for 11 years, including when the new school was built. Mabel was a lifelong member of the Emerado Presbyterian Church. She was an Elder, Trustee, Women's Association member, Sunday School Teacher & Superintendent, and Bible School Teacher & Leader. She was also involved with the Church Centennial and all events pertaining to the church. Mabel was the go-to person for family history and was very involved with the Taylor Family History Book, the Emerado School Centennial Book, and the Grand Forks County History Book. Her hobbies were: genealogy, crocheting, quilting, and was well-known for her many collections. She especially loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mabel had a lifelong love of 4-H serving as a member, leader, advisor, mentor and the Grand Forks County Leaders Council. She was active in the program for more than 60 years. Throughout her years in 4-H she received numerous awards including: the ND State 4-H Pioneer Award, Outstanding Grand Forks County 4-H Leader, and received a scholarship trip to the 4-H Leaders Conference in Washington, DC. At the pinnacle of her career, Mabel was inducted into the ND 4-H Hall of Fame. Always wanting to make a difference, Mabel's involvement in the community began in high school when she attended local political meetings hosted by former North Dakota Governor Bill Langer. She attended with her father and would take meeting notes for the men in attendance. As an adult, Mabel became Emerado's first Auditor and held this position for about 28 years, serving under four mayors. Mabel had a significant role in assisting with the development of the city of Emerado as its population began to grow in the late 1960s. She was involved in the acquisition of Trail County Water and the sanitation system. In addition, she also worked with Dick King, the city attorney, to acquire easements from land owners for water lines. Mabel also helped annex the Folsom Addition. During this time, she worked from a home office (no computer in those days!) with two children to care for along with all the duties of being a farmer's wife. After retirement, she and Bob enjoyed taking bus tours and attending Taylor Family reunions. Mabel had a smile and a twinkle in her eye that will be remembered by many. She gave without hesitation and loved unconditionally. She felt the luck of the Irish was undoubtedly with her as she met and fell in love with the man of her dreams, raised a family she was proud of, achieved success both personally and professionally, and was loved by all who knew her. Mabel is survived by: Son, Danny (Jan) Martin and children: Matthew (Heather) Martin and children Connor, Callie and Cole. Nicole (Sean) Sands and children Hayden and Grace. Merry (Scott) Knudsvig and child Sam. Granddaughter, Maria Martin and children Natalie and Nicholas. Grandson, Michael Martin. Daughter, Sally (Marlin) Jacobson and children: Rob (Kim) Jacobson and children Sydney, Reed and Tate. Wesley Jacobson and children Bryn and Madilyn. Kathleen (Kim) Pedersen and children Kamilla and Annika. Son, Lee Martin and children: Bill Martin and children Alexandra & Kristjan. Sarah (Dave) Krogfoss and stepchildren, Taylor & Haleigh. Roger Martin and son Theodore. Son, Steve (Barb) Martin and children Becky and Joey Martin. Daughters-in law: Wanda Martin and Helga Martin Coleman. Brother: William (Carol) Marshall and Sister: Mollie (Lorando) Olson. Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bob, sister, Clara (Henry) Stanley, son Rodney, and great-grandchildren, Nora Pedersen, Martell & Natalie Jacobson, and baby Knudsvig.