Celestine FORDYCE Martin  1923 - 2002  SHS 1942
OBITUARIES - STANDARD.NET - OGDEN PUBLISHING CO - October 14, 2002
 
CLEARFIELD - Celestine began her wonderful life of sharing her joy with others on November 28, 1923 in Powersville, Missouri when she was born to Everett and Verda Fordyce. Celestine moved west with her mother and brother, Lewis to Sheridan, Wyoming following the death of Celestine"s father from Typhoid fever. In 1931 Verda married Harold Bryce and Celestine always wished she had called her new stepfather "Dad."

Growing up in Sheridan, Celestine graduated from Sheridan High School where she was a class officer. Celestine used her skills as the business manager for the Sheridan Press during World War II. When the war was over and the friend who would become the love of her life, Wayne Harlan Martin returned from serving in Europe, they were married and began their family of three children raising them in Sheridan. Wayne was transferred to Clearfield, Utah by the postal service in 1965. Their love story continued until Wayne"s death in 1981.

Celestine shared the love of Jesus in her heart with everyone in so many ways. She began playing the piano at an early age and by her fifteenth birthday she became the organist at First Christian Church in Sheridan. She brought that talent with her to Clearfield Community Church when her family came to Utah. Through countless church services, weddings, and funerals, God used Celestine to bring a spirit of joy to all who heard His love in her music. In June of this year, her organ and piano fell silent when her illness prevented her from playing. But to those who heard her play, her music will always be heard in their hearts.

Celestine"s desire to share and serve didn"t end with her music. In 1989 when she retired after twenty years from the IRS, she began volunteering in outpatient surgery at Davis North Hospital where she was loved by the nurses and doctors and made difficult days easier for appreciative patients by sharing her compassion and tenderness.

She is survived by her children, Dan Martin of Clearfield; Diana (Steve) Shinn of Kaysville; and Phyllis Martin of Marana, Arizona. She will be missed by her grandchildren and their children, Dawn (Allen) Ott (Austin and Madison), Heather (John) Segatti (Adam and Asia) and Derek (Tiffany) Kerschner (Jalaya and Kolby). Celestine inspired others in the difficult times when her husband Wayne, her mother, Verda, her brother, Lewis, and her stepfather, Harold preceded her in death.

The family would like to thank the staff at Davis Medical Center and Rocky Mountain Hospice, especially Trudy for their understanding, care, and compassion. We praise God for Pat, who made it possible for Celestine to have her last days at home surrounded by love.

A celebration of Celestine"s life of sharing will be held Wednesday, October 16, 2002 at 11 a.m. at the Clearfield Community Church, 200 So. 500 E., with Reverend Richard Axmann presiding. Donations may be made to Clearfield Community Church or Rocky Mountain Hospice at 315 E. 300 So. Bountiful, Utah 84010 in her memory.

Interment, Clearfield City Cemetery will immediately follow the memorial service.

Funeral directors, Lindquist"s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.