Carol Louise Martin

Carol L Martin, 82, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2023, in Gilbert, AZ. She was born to Herbert and Hilda Panhorst in St. Louis, MO in 1941. In 1960, Carol married her High School sweetheart, Dale W. Martin who she met in Tucson, AZ, they had 46 years together and lived in several west coast locations before settling in San Diego, CA where Dale was stationed with the U.S. Navy. It was in San Diego that they raised their six children, Sherry Parker (Chris) of Gilbert, AZ, Bill Martin of Phoenix, AZ, Robert Martin (Toni) of Lemon Grove, CA. Stephen Martin (Charlotte) of Blythweed, SC, Douglas Martin (Beckie) of Sun Lakes, AZ and Timothy Martin (Amber) of Gilbert, AZ. She will be missed by all of them as well as her 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, her sister Ruth Dunham of Olympia, WA, her 2 nieces, nephew, their spouses and children.

She was proceeded in death by her husband and parents.

Carol’s life work and volunteer time was focused on children. After her children were all in school, Carol went to college to earn first her Associates Degree from Grossmont Community College in May 1985 and her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from San Diego State University in 1987 from the College of Education. She also attended Colloquy courses through Christ College, Irvine.

As a teacher, she first taught 2nd grade at Trinity Lutheran School in San Diego, and then 4th Grade at Christ the Cornerstone Academy, also in San Diego. She retired in 2011 at age 70 after teaching for 23 years. She started a Science Club and cared for many domestic and exotic animals to enhance the learning experience for the students.

Carol was also active in her community and church. She was a committed Girl Scout Leader for over 20 years in San Diego, directed the Bell Choir at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, taught preschoolers in Sunday School and worked in or directed the VBS programs at all the the churches she attended well into retirement. After her move to San Tan Valley, AZ in late 2016 she began participating in the quilting ministry at Saving Grace Lutheran Church and volunteered at Feed My Starving Children.

Carol loved traveling, especially to visit her children and grandchildren who at times lived in different parts of the country.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in San Diego, CA.  Burial at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary will follow with family on Sunday, July 30, 2023, where she will be placed next to Dale.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Always Present Hospice and Palliative Care for their special programs. Or another charity of your choice. They took amazing care of mom toward the end of her life, and we are forever grateful to them and the staff of MKB at SkyRidge.