Amy Martin

A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Amy Martin exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. She devoted her life to others whether her family, those within her church, or people in her community. A more loving and devoted wife and mother would be hard to find, and there was nothing Amy loved more than becoming a grandmother. Although she was a woman of many gifts and talents, she was a humble person who used her skills to bring such beauty to the world around her. As someone who was passionate about spreading the good news of Christ, countless lives were touched because of Amy. She will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished by those too numerous to count.

As the 1930s dawned in America, people braced themselves for what would become some of the most trying days we would ever face as a nation as the crash of the stock market in October of 1929 sent our nation and much of the world spiraling down into the depths of the Great Depression. The 1930s saw a soaring unemployment rate and a crippling drought that added strain to an already crippled agricultural industry. Despite the trials around them, a young couple from Erie, Pennsylvania, was filled with unspeakable joy to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on April 19, 1930. Amy May was the fourth of seven children born to her parents, Jay and Sophie (Karnet) Van Giesen, and she was raised in the family home alongside her siblings. Amy remained close with her siblings throughout her life and kept in touch through letters and phone calls as an adult.

For the most part Amy experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of her generation. As a young girl she enjoyed things like playing childhood games, running around outside with her siblings, and playing with paper dolls. It was also during her formative years that she developed her lifelong love for drawing and art. Because her father worked for the railroad the family was able to take trips via rail at times, and they also enjoyed Sunday afternoon car rides. Amy learned to be sympathetic as she cried and had such a hard time when her sister broke her arm. Faith was established as a cornerstone in her life while growing up, and her father often led the family in evening prayer and devotions. She accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior as a teenager. Amy attended local schools and graduated from North East High School in Pennsylvania.

After graduating Amy worked as an operator for the telephone company for a few years. She attended Buffalo Bible Institute where she excelled in classes and met her future husband. His name was Robert Martin, and with a desire to share their lives they were married on June 19, 1954, at the Bible Institute. After a few years they moved as he went to seminary at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana. While living there Amy and Bob started their family with the birth of Michele. At that point Amy left the workplace to stay home and care for the family. A bit later their family of four was completed with the birth of their son, Mike, after Bob’s work took them to Grand Rapids.

Amy was skilled in running a household. She was organized and very efficient in taking care of the various duties. Bob was often on the road as a salesman, which left Amy to handle things on her own. She even got rather handy with things. As a family they did enjoy camping trips together, and at times they were able to take trips that were combined with Bob’s business. Amy was very resourceful as she did things like making clothes for her family until it was not longer cost efficient to do so. Once her children were a bit older she worked in the school office at Baptist Academy. Amy also learned to play the marimba.

In addition to being deeply devoted to her family, sharing her faith was also of the utmost importance to Amy. She freely shared the gospel with those she came into contact with and was truly an inspiration. Once in Grand Rapids, Highland Hills Baptist Church became their home church and where Amy served in a variety of ways. Over the years she was a leader in Pioneer Girls, lined up the special music for church services, played the marimba, and faithfully visited the sick and the shut ins. Together she and Bob hosted the college and career age gatherings. Amy’s reach extended even further still as she went to different churches and created chalk talks in which she would draw along to arranged music that tied in with a Bible story. In the end her finished work revealed a special illustration illuminated by black light. Additionally, Amy talked with her neighbors about the Lord and led a regular Bible Study with them. She was an avid reader who loved reading and also sharing Christian books. She enjoyed the beauty of nature by maintaining the most beautiful flower gardens.

Later in life Amy was delighted to welcome grandchildren into the family. She loved spending time with them, watching them a couple of days a week when they were young, and as they got older she was there to support them in the things they did. Amy shared her love of art with her grandchildren as she gave them regular art lessons. She was truly passionate about art - and talented, too, as she illustrated a couple of books, was asked to create a model of Grace College, and made a wall mural for her high school in addition to painting several portraits.

Cancer was a battle that Amy fought a few different times beginning in 1999. It came back just a couple of years later and then for a third and final time about two years ago. The third time Amy struggled with the treatments more than any other, however, her passion for sharing the word of Christ never wavered.

Exuberant, spirited, and enchanting, Amy Martin made a significant impact in the world around her. As a woman after God’s own heart she was a wonderful example to others who was abundantly generous to all who were within her reach. Amy will never be forgotten.

Amy Martin, age 84 of Grand Rapids, entered her eternal home September 19, 2014 and is now rejoicing with her Lord and Savior. She is survived by her husband, Robert; her children Michele & RC Shoun III, Michael & Barbara Martin; grandchildren Micah, Jacob and Lydia Martin; brother, Richard (Donna) Van Giesen; sisters Lois (Lewis) Shioleno, Jean Van Giesen, Joanne (Paul) Erwin; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Luren (Ardath) Martin, Esther (Bill) Van Dam, Al (Janice) Martin, Janet Martin; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Martin was preceded in death by her brothers Ray and Harry Van Giesen, and her brother-in-law Daryl Martin. A service to remember and celebrate her life will be held on Monday, September 22, 2014 at 11 AM at Highland Hills Baptist Church, 1415 Northrup NW. Friends may visit with her family on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Highland Hills Baptist Church Missionary Fund are appreciated. Her family extends their sincere appreciation to the staff of Faith Hospice and Fulton Manor for the loving care shown through the last weeks. To read more about Amy's life, to share a memory or sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com