Betty J. Martin, 100 of Sergeant Bluff, Iowa passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at her home, with her family at her side. Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the Community United Methodist Church in Sergeant Bluff, 101 Baker Drive. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sergeant Bluff.
Betty was born November 7, 1925 in Pipestone, Minnesota; she was the daughter of Wilmer and Marion (Trigg) Clayton. She attended Sergeant Bluff Luton High School until her senior year. Betty returned to Pipestone, MN and graduated from Pipestone High in 1944.
On February 17, 1945 Betty married Carl Owen Martin in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa and in this union they were blessed with three children. She worked as the Switch Board Operator at the Sergeant Bluff Telephone Company (which was located above, currently called Eddie’s Tavern). Betty was on duty for VE Day and VJ Day in 1945. She later was a homemaker and provided childcare in her home. After a while, Betty went on to work for Zenith for four years and later worked for Lindberg’s Variety Store for over 30 years, retiring in June 2005, just a few months before her 80th birthday.
Betty was a member of the Community United Methodist Church in Sergeant Bluff and was active with the Bible Study, Prayer Shawl Ministries and the women’s circle. Last November she enjoyed her 100th birthday. She received over 80 birthday cards wishing her well.
She is survived by her two children: Karen (Martin) Lindberg and Ronald (Cheryl) Martin, sister-in-law, Mirian Clayton, six grandchildren: Owen (Sarah) Martin, Nicholas Martin, Michael Martin, Brian (Emer) Martin, Bradley (Bekki) Martin, Brandon Martin, six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Carl Owen Martin; son, James Martin and his wife, Mary, and son-in-law, Richard Lindberg, siblings: Norma (Sam) Seldon, Charles Clayton, Clifford (Virginia) Clayton, Mary Lou (Don) Landers, and Bruce (Debbie) Sturzl.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Community United Methodist Church, 101 Baker Drive, Sergeant Bluff, Iowa 51054.
