Obituary of Mary Janet Martinez

Jan Martinez passed away quietly, in her sleep, receiving loving care from a great many people including family, friends and caretakers. Jan was ready to set out on her final and greatest adventure. Born to Carl and Fern (Gerloff) Klein, in Independence, Indiana, she shared her early years with her sisters Barbara Bower, Marilyn Jones (deceased) and Robert Klein (deceased). She attended St. Boniface and St. Francis High School in Lafayette, Indiana. Always a spitfire, she was often setting out on the most unexpected escapades, including traveling across country with a girlfriend in her early 20’s to deliver a car all the way to California that a complete stranger had purchased. She loved to ski and went on many cruises with siblings and friends. Jan had a distinguished career as a banker, one of few women at the time to hold a management position. She traveled throughout Oregon introducing women to the world of finance and banking. She married Donald A. Standefer in 1970, and they shared a wonderful life together for 30 years, until Don’s passing in 2000. Jan stayed connected with her step-son, Robert Letzvow (deceased), the two having formed a close bond. Jan found love again later in life when she met and married Joe B. Martinez, Jr. (deceased) in 2016—Joe was 96 and Jan was 87 at the time! Having cared for both her husbands through challenging illnesses, Jan was the consummate caretaker and lived with an open heart. While their time together was brief, Jan inherited an extended family when she married Joe (Tim, Lisa, Gus and David Martinez) and was included in their lives and cared for by them until she passed away. She was also appreciated by her long-time friends Brian and Candace Kennedy, Candice Shuman, and her new friends at Village at Keizer Ridge--especially Kathy Kiel. Jan also leaves behind many nieces and nephews who will miss her greatly, including Diana Lambert and Vicki Bower. Jan, we will miss your sky-blue eyes, sparkling with mischief, and your happy-go-lucky spirit. Happy travels! A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church, Keizer, Oregon, June 12, at 10:30 a.m., followed by a private interment at City View Cemetery in Salem, Oregon. Those wishing to send flowers or cards are encouraged to donate to Catholic Charities of Oregon in Jan’s memory.