Obituary of Laraine Dale Martz

Laraine Dale Martz was taken from us suddenly near the Oregon coast on Wednesday, February 29, 2012. She was the first of three children born to Dale E. and Lillian Ann (Lough) Martz, on August 20, 1946, in San Francisco. Laraine is survived by her lifelong companion and devoted husband, Curtis J. Hawkins, of Gladstone, Oregon. Laraine worked for Clean Water Services in Tigard, Oregon, from 1977 to 1997; then for the City of Portland’s Bureau of Environmental Services until her retirement in 2003. Thereafter, Laraine enjoyed spending her time with Curtis on their mountain property outside Lyle, Washington; or on the Oregon coast, on their property in Yachats; or at their home in Gladstone. A student of the world, and never without a book or two in her pack, Laraine was always up for a lively debate on religion or politics. When she laughed, she laughed heartily. She believed that the advice “choose wisely—treat kindly” was a foundation for achievement. One of the hallmarks of Laraine’s life was her tremendous generosity. She always stood willing to lend a hand to make things better, and would spontaneously part with her last possession, if it meant that it might improve someone else’s situation, whether friend or stranger. She took great joy in her children and grandchildren, and glowed with pride whenever she shared news about each and every one of them. Laraine was recently preceded in death by Bogie, her beloved canine companion of ten years. She is survived by her husband; her parents Dale and Ann Martz, Lillian, Alabama; brothers Glenn Martz (Jan) and Warren Martz (Genie); children Dennis E. Guthrie, Jr., Denise M. Guthrie Callahan (Hugh); and David Dale Hawkins (Kim); grandchildren Liam and Sean Callahan, and Michael and McKenna Chamberlain. A funeral service will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, at 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 8, 2012. A gathering will be held thereafter at the home of Laraine’s son and daughter-in-law David and Kim Hawkins in Gladstone. All are welcome to attend. Laraine was always concerned about people being hungry. As an expression of sympathy, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in lieu of flowers to the Oregon Food Bank by visiting www.oregonfoodbank.org, calling 503-282-0555, or by making a donation to a local food bank of your choice. There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart. (Gandhi)