Waetta Martinson, age 77, of Mahnomen, MN, formerly Twin Valley, MN, died Thursday, July 23, 2020, at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home under the care of Hospice.

Waetta Shirdee Sather, the daughter of Alvin and Pearl (Sirjord) Sather, was born on February 25, 1943 in McMinnville, OR. As a small child, Waetta moved with her family to Gary, MN. She grew up on the family farm and attended school in Gary. After graduating with the class of 1961, Waetta furthered her education in Crookston, MN where she obtained her nursing degree and began her career as an LPN. On June 8, 1963, Waetta was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Duane Martinson, whom she had known since kindergarten. The couple made their first home in Cedar Rapids, IA before returning to the Gary area. While raising her children, Waetta continued to work outside the home. Over the years, she was employed at the Mahnomen Hospital, the Twin Valley Living Center, and the Fertile Nursing Home. She took a break from nursing and sold Home Interior for a few years. Waetta later returned to her nursing and worked for many years in the activities department at the Twin Valley Living Center. Following the sale of their farm in 1996, Waetta and Duane moved into Twin Valley. Shortly after Duane's death in December 2004, Waetta moved to an apartment in Mahnomen. While there, she volunteered regularly at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home. Waetta had developed a deep friendship with her lifelong friend, Carman Dahl, who has been her loving companion for the past 12 years. Since suffering her stroke in 2019, Waetta has made her home at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home where she made wonderful friends with the nursing staff and her caregivers.

Waetta's personality was hard to match. She was kind, caring, and loved helping others. During her nursing career, Waetta not only helped her patients but also bonded with her co-workers. She had a special way of sharing her experience with younger nurses' aides and caring for youth in general. Waetta also had a spunky side and was known to be a bit stubborn. She was an immaculate gardener and spent hours working in her flowerbeds. She also proudly took art lessons and enjoyed painting in her later years. She would spend countless hours cutting quilt blocks and sewing quilts on the sewing machine that she got from her parents for her wedding for both her family and the church. Her family was her rock and truly meant the world to her. Waetta was always there for the important events in her children's, and later her grandchildren's lives, and cherished all family gatherings. Christmas was her favorite holiday and she always celebrated with decorations and festivities. Her smile, and her willingness to jump into any card game, was a gift she shared with many and will be missed.

She is survived by her children: Jessie (Blair) Halvorson of Mahnomen, MN and Danny (Julie) Martinson of Fargo, ND; her sister, Pearlie (Robert) Pazdernik of Hillman, MN; seven grandchildren: Leah (Adam) Froseth, Alexis (Nate) Kopperud, Courtney Martinson, Mason Martinson, Preston (Mara) Halvorson, Bryce (Brianna Morey) Halvorson, and Miranda (Nick) Otto; six great grandchildren: Bentley, Cash, Michaela, Tatum, Colton, and Zoie; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Duane, parents Alvin and Pearl, brother, Arvid Sather and sister-in-law Maria Sather, and infant granddaughter, Alicia Brandi Halvorson.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley, MN, with visitation held for one hour prior to the service at the cemetery. All are welcome to attend and encouraged to bring a chair. Following all safety protocols due to COVID-19 restrictions, social distancing will be practiced, and all must wear a mask to participate.