Clara Martens

Clara Ellen, daughter of Dr. Orren W. and Edna Smith Wyatt, was born November 3, 1907, in Omaha, NE. At age three Clara moved with her family to Manning, IA. She attended school in Manning, graduating in 1925. Because her father thought her too young to attend college, she remained in Manning another year taking practical classes such as typing and bookkeeping. The following year she went to Wesleyen College in Nebraska from which she graduated in 1930 with a Bachelor’s Degree.

Clara was united in marriage with Alvin W. Martens on August 1, 1930, in Manning. Two children were born to this union. The couple lived in Jefferson, IA for a couple of years before moving to Manning where Clara and Al purchased C.B. Senter Variety Store in 1932 and changed the name to Martens Variety Store. Clara spent most of her time working in the home and raising their children although she did work in the store periodically. They retired in 1971 when their son Gene took over management of the store. Al died October 29, 1986, and Clara continued to live in Manning.

Clara was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, the United Methodist Church, Bridge Club, Seventeen Club and Zatetic Club. She also enjoyed knitting and was a member of a knitting club.

Besides her parents, Clara is preceded in death by her husband, Al; a brother Merlin Wyatt and wife Helen; a sister Vera Rinderhagen and husband Raymond and brother-in-law Paul Nordbye.

She is survived by two children Gene Martens and wife Laura of Yakima, WA and Marcia and husband Bion Pierson of Ames, IA; five grandchildren: Leslie and husband Peter Wampler of Philomath, OR, Bonnie and husband Dan Nelson, Monica and husband Todd Holdridge of Spokane, WA, Bryce Pierson and wife Katie, and Lia and husband Christopher Bruner; one brother, Lester Wyatt and wife Margaret of Spirit Lake, IA; one sister, Louise Nordbye of Winlock, WA; a niece, a nephew, other relatives and friends.