Ila Fern Martin, 95, died Oct. 7, 2011, at Dillon Living Center, Hutchinson. She was born Aug. 24, 1916, in Stamford, Nebraska, the daughter of Claude R. and Ethel (Woodruff) Pittman. She graduated from Stamford High School and later attended a business school in Los Angeles, California. Ila served in the Marine Corps Women's Reserve in World War II as a bookkeeper. She later worked as a bookkeeper and secretary for several companies wherever she lived.

She moved to Denver, Colorado, where she met and married E. Bert Martin, Jr. They were married on July 13, 1940, in Raton, New Mexico. They lived in California for 60 years and then moved to Hutchinson in 2001 to be near family. Bert died Dec. 30, 2007.

Ila was a member of the United Methodist Church wherever they lived and was a past president of the United Methodist Women. She taught Sunday School and was active in other areas of church life. She was an over 50 year member and past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star in Woodland, Calif. She was also an over 50 year member of the Daughters of The Nile in Sacramento, Calif. and was past president of the Susanville-Lake Almanor Nile Club, Lake Almanor, Calif.

She is survived by: a sister, Delpha Whale, Hutchinson; a niece, Shanna Soukup and husband Herb, Hutchinson; and a brother-in-law, Gerald Martin, Lopez Island, Washington.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a sister, Doris Countant.

Cremation has taken place. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in Stamford Cemetery, Stamford, Neb. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriners Children's Hospital, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.