Viola, daughter of George J. and Anna (Georgius) Ohde, was born August 31, 1905, at Manning. She attended Manning schools and graduated in 1923. She taught rural schools for several years.

November 1, 1928, she married Gilbert Martens. Four children, Richard, James, Janet, and Judith, were born to this union. The family made their home on farms in the Manning, Manilla, and Irwin area. Her husband died in 1970; in 1974 she moved to Manilla where she was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. She had been in failing health since last fall. She was hospitalized at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines where she died May 30, 1994, at age 88 years, 8 months, and 29 days.

Besides her husband she was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Richard Lee; and three brothers: Oliver and Melvin Ohde and a brother in infancy. Survivors include her children: James Martens (JoAnn) of Manning; Janet (Alan) Jensen of Manilla; and Judith Odom, of Friendswood, Texas; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; the following brothers and sister: Ray Ohde of Manning; Wesley Ohde, of Carroll; Lester Ohde, of Carroll; and Jean Pfoltner, of Manning; nieces and nephews and other rely tines.

Funeral services were held June 2, 1994, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Manila with Pastor Timothy Geitz officiating. Burial was in the Manning City Cemetery. Honorary casket bearers were: Brenda Croghan, Jill Jensen-Welch, Julie Drees and Jeana Jensen-Hogue. Casket bearers were Richard Martens, Ryan Martens, Gary Drees, Mike Odom, Randy Martens, Kelly Croghan, Tim Hogue, and Matt Odom. Ohde Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.