Martha Emily Pearl Hutchens

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September 6, 1921 - September 28, 2007
SALEM - Martha was born in Dallas/Louisburg, Missouri. Her parents and six siblings moved to California when she was nine months old. In 1939, she graduated from Rosevelt High School in Fresno, Calif. She married Earl Edwards in 1943, had one son, and divorced in 1946. Met and married Dan Hutchens in 1947, and they had three children. She worked in the airplane factories, helping to build planes during WWII. The family moved to Oregon around 1960. Her husband passed away 5 years later. She continued to raise her family and live in Salem for the rest of her adult life. She also met and fell in love with Ernie Edmunds during this time. She enjoyed dancing, bowling, going to the coast, and her flower garden. But most of all, she enjoyed her family and friends. She retired July 1997 from Foster Grandparents. She worked for the Foster Grandparents Council from 1978 to 1994. From 1988 to 1994, she participated as a Foster Grandparent at Highland School, helping Hispanic youths learn to read and speak English. She also volunteered at nursing homes, helping the elderly for many years. She was given numerous awards from the Council of Aging, of which she was also a member. She is survived by four children, four grandchildren, three great-grandsons, with another great grandson on the way. Services are at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 4 at the LDS Church, 1830 Brush College Rd NW, Salem.
A Mother's love is ours to keep, What a priceless thing to know. Her thoughts stay with us through the years, No matter where we go. Nothing else in the entire world will ever rise above. The most important thing of all is a Mothers love. Many things change as the years hurry past, But still, there is one thing that is certain to last. One thing that is changeless, unfailing and true: That's the love of a wonderful Mother like you. ~ From Family
Martha had many friends, most of them preceded her in death; but those that remain remember her great sense of humor, her generosity, kindness, and fiercest loyalty. She was always ready for fun and adventure, and to listen to our tails of woe and make it all better. We will miss her very much. With love, your Friends