Betty Martinez, age 86, of Mahnomen, MN, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, September 2, 2015, at the Eventide Nursing Home in Moorhead, MN.

Betty Jaynees Martinez was born August 20, 1929, in Crow Wing County, MN, to Fred and Ida (Bluhm) Brand. She married Thomas Martinez and spent time in England and Germany while her husband was in the US Air Force. They came back to the United States and moved to Minnesota and then to California. They eventually moved back to Minnesota. Betty and Thomas later divorced and she raised three children on her own. Betty was a hard worker and always had a job. She retired in 1994 and moved to Mahnomen, MN, where she made her home with her daughter, Barb, and son-in-law, Tim McArthur. Three years ago Betty moved to Valley View apartments where she made many wonderful friends. Betty was always baking and offered a helping hand to her friends when they were not feeling well. She adored her grandchildren and her great grandchildren and babysat them often. She would help them put puzzles together, color with them, and Grandma Betty always had treats when they came over. She loved to go shopping and out to eat! Betty especially loved Christmas shopping throughout the year and was always prepared for birthdays and holidays. A true testament to her generous spirit was that even though she was not at home the day before she passed away, Betty wanted to make sure her good friend, Myrna, at Valley View got her birthday present and card that Betty had for her.  Her favorite time of year was Christmas and she would go all out decorating her apartment. She made many great memories with her family. Betty was a very caring, giving person and was always willing to help others.


Betty is survived by two daughters, Barb (Tim) McArthur of Mahnomen, and Mary Ann (Joe) Herrara of Midlothian, IL; two sisters, Yvonne and Muriel; six grandchildren: Zachary, William, Maria, Timothy, Brian, and Aaron; and six great grandchildren: Belle, Ian, William Jr., Isaac, Layla, and Baileigh.

She was preceded in death by her son, Keith in 2005.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 3:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior at the Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen.