Barbara Jean Martin

In loving celebration of Barbara Jean Martin 

She entered this life on April 30, 1943 to Eugene Smith and LaRue Kunz in Blackfoot, Idaho. Her father was killed and she spent her toddler years with a very dedicated loving man, Fred Gortcinsky. She was then raised by the man we all knew as grandpa, Jay Spencer. 

The first part of this earthly journey ended on October 3, 2025, releasing her to her reward. A perfect body and life with some of the people who have loved her the most. She peacefully made this journey while her loving family held her hands and spoke of all of the good times. 

She married Kenneth Martin on October 30, 1962. They spent 53 years in Northern Utah building friendships and creating a posterity that was second to none. They then chased the sunshine to Southern Utah and lived happily ever after. Dad was her “Rock” to the very last hour. 

She truly lived each day with excitement and conviction. She had more trials than most people see into lifetimes, but she faced, fought and conquered them with clenched fist and barred teeth letting nothing stand in her way. She took her responsibilities with pride and never disappointed anyone. She spent her early married years raising her children and supporting her husband. She served in many aspects and was always there for everyone. She made many costumes and served throughout the night to ensure roadshows and the productions would go off without a hitch. They will always be remembered, it was a party wherever she was. 

Her most enjoyable times were spent searching for treasures while yard selling, antiques with her best friends, her mom, her daughters and her granddaughter known as the triple threat. Not too often that your best friends span over 60 years, but we were pretty much inseparable. 

When life got more restricted with health issues, she enjoyed going across the border and hitting the buttons on the slots and making them sing. Her excitement drew a crowd, no matter if she won or not. She danced whenever she went and couldn’t stop, the music was just in her head and she loved every minute of it. 

She had four children. Wendy (Jeff) Hall, David (Wanda) Martin, Brian (Tammy) Martin, Derek Kenneth Martin. She was blessed with 7 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren who brought her great joy. She made some lifelong special friends that were just part of the family. Teri Jacques, Margaret Holley. She made many wonderful memories of her Sister Judy Kay and her loving Sister Terrie Sollie. 

She was preceded in death by Jay Spencer (father), LaRue Kunz (mother), Judy Altman (sister), Derek Kenneth Martin (son), Joshua Easley (grandson), Theo Colby Hall (great grandson). 

We want to give special things to Liberty Dialysis Center who made the last five years bearable for her. She made friends who truly loved her. Also an exceptional hand to Dixie palliative and hospice center whose compassion, organizational skills and attentiveness was unmatchable. 

We will celebrate her life on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2:00pm at the LDS meeting house located at 1130 E. Brigham Rd., St. George, UT 84790. This will be in lieu of a graveside service.