Eleanor Adella Martin

Eleanor “Granny” “Nor-Nor” Adella Hoy Martin, 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on July 26, 2021. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 29 from 6 to 8 pm at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. The funeral service will be on Friday, July 30 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 600 6th Ave. in Des Moines. A private burial will be held at a later date at Glendale Cemetery. In celebration of Eleanor’s life, the family is requesting people wear pink to the services.

Eleanor was born on September 13, 1925 to Maude (Moore) and Edward Hoy in Linden, Iowa. She graduated from Adel High School where she played the French horn in the marching band and chaired the social club. Following high school, she attended nurse’s training at Methodist School of Nursing and graduated in 1946 as an active member of Women’s Army Corps. Shortly after, Eleanor met the love of her life, John Martin and they were married on September 10, 1950.

Eleanor started her career as a Registered Nurse at Methodist Hospital in Des Moines and later became a private duty nurse. She ended her lifelong dedication to nursing at American Republic Insurance where she was the company head nurse, friend, and confidant for over 20 years. She enjoyed wintering in Texas, baking, shopping at Younkers Department Store, and watching her grandkids participate in sports and their numerous other activities. Her pride and joy were her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an active lifetime member of St. John’s Lutheran Church and participated in the Methodist Hospital Alumni. Eleanor was beloved by many. Her favorite color was pink, she never missed a Christmas where she spent hours decorating cookies with her grandkids, and everyone invited into her home was offered a selection between ice cream, a Mr. Goodbar, a Lifesaver Wint O Green mint or “have one of each.” Her legendary bunny cake will always hold a spot in our hearts and on our Easter tables. Eleanor would appreciate if you gave a toast in her honor. She will be forever missed.

Although she treated everyone as family, she is survived by her daughters, Debbie “Honey” (Kirk) Howsare, Tiara “Ty” (Larry) Fox, Shelley (Mike) Broderick, Janet (Mike) Jones; grandchildren, John (Jessica), James (Medina), Rob (Rob), David (Nick) and Dan Martin, Austin and Brooke Howsare, Collin Whitehead, Samantha Fox, Nick (Candice), Maddie and Connor Broderick, Brandon, Logan and Taylor Jones; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents and her six siblings.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Unity Point Taylor House Hospice or St. John’s Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

Print