Manzanita Eloise Martin

Manzanita E. "Nita" Martin, 95, died on December 12, 2012 in Billings. She was born to Henry H. and Winnie Taylor in San Diego, CA on June 25, 1917. She graduated from Point Loma High School in 1934 and San Diego State University in 1938. Nita married Charles R. Martin in 1939 and they returned to his home state, Montana in 1942. They worked a cattle ranch and wheat farm in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains for five years then moved to Flathead Lake where Charlie ran a water taxi. Charlie eventually settled into railroading in Deer Lodge where they also owned Powell Sporting Goods, Nita being the mainstay of the business. Charlie next became the Maintenence Supervisior of Warm Springs State Hospital and Nita worked as the Medical Librarian. In 1979, after their retirement, they began an elevan year sailing journey around the world. In 1989 they returned home for several months to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with family. Their yacht remained anchored at an island near Puerto Rica. Hurricane Hugo decimated over 200 boats in that area, theirs being among them. They settled in Willow Creek, in the long-time family home of Charlie's parents. In 2003, they moved to Billings to be near Jim, Dianne and their granddaughter, Karlee. Nita was a passionate cat lover throughout her life, many strays found salvation at her doorstep. The delight of her life for the last 18 months was her great granddaughter, Teigen, whom she saw frequently. Nita is survived by her daughter Dianne (Jim) McDermand; granddaughter Karlee (Kevin) Bentz and great graddaughter Teigen; former daughter-in-law Donna Martin; son Craig; granddaughter Jodi; grandson Travis (Belinda) and great grandsons Logan and Ian. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Charlei and many well-loved cats. A graveside service will be held at Mount Green Cemetery at a future date.

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