Maida L. Martin

Maida L. Martin, 90, beloved mother, grandmother and sister passed away Friday, October 30, 2009 at Summer Wood Special Care Center, surrounded by family. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in Moses Lake, Rev. Mark Bassett, Hospice Chaplain and Dr. Paul Wagner officiants. The family has requested in lieu of flowers to send donations to Central Basin Home Health & Hospice, 311 W. 3rd Ave., Moses Lake, WA 98837.

Arrangements are in care of Kayser’s Chapel & Crematory. Please sign the book or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com

Maida was born on March 6, 1919, to Ernest and Esther (Erickson) Wilmot in Anacortes, Washington. Maida attended school in Anacortes and worked in the local bank. Maida moved to Moses Lake with her family in 1941. She worked in the family owned business Morning Sun Dairy, which included the first hamburger and ice cream parlor on Broadway in Moses Lake. Maida worked in the family business until going to work for the local post office in 1949. Maida worked 30 years for the United States Postal Service and in 1971 was appointed as Post Mistress (now known as Postmaster) in Moses Lake.

She was very active in the community, Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, past president of Soroptomist receiving “Women of Achievement” by the business and professional women’s club in 1971, past president and on the board of directors of United Way, Worthy Advisor for Rainbow Girls, and on the board of directors of Christian Radio. Maida enjoyed traveling, her favorite trip was to the Holy Land. She made many friends on her travels and supported many missionary groups to spread the gospel.

Maida is preceded in death by both her parents, Ernest and Esther Wilmot, her brother, Orville Wilmot, granddaughter Trisha Martin Gonzalez and her brother-in-law Ned Richberg. She is survived by her two children, Connie and (Mike) Meier and Arlet “Bud” and (Sandy) Martin and 6 grandchildren, Michele and (Bobbie) Jacobson, Paige Meier Anspach, Megan and (Peter) Bumpus, Arlet “Buddy” and (Julie) Martin, Jr., Christine & (Gabe) Gonzalez, Lori and (Jose) Baeza; 32 great grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; sister, Joyce Richberg and a brother, Eugene “Jim” and (Mary Lou) Wilmot.

Maida loved every moment with her family and friends. She will be greatly missed by all.