Violet Lorraine Martin

Violet Lorraine Martin, known as Lory to all who loved her, died peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 11th. She was born on November 16th, 1954 in Pawhuska Oklahoma. At an early age, the Grim family moved to the Texas panhandle where her father worked in the oil industry. In 1967, the family moved to Barnsdall, Oklahoma. Lory made many friends in her high school years and often spoke of her fond memories as a cheerleader at Barnsdall High. She also loved spending time at her Aunt Estelle’s beauty parlor downtown and with her uncle Marvin as he worked the machines at the Barnsdall Times. In 1972 she met Tony Martin of Pawhuska, fell in love, and got married. In 1981, her first son, Rhys, was born. Another son, Tyler, followed in 1985. Her two boys were the light of her life. Whether it was helping with homework, encouraging hobbies, or lending an ear to a troubled teenager she provided a bedrock of support for her sons that shaped them into strong, considerate men. After her eldest son graduated high school in 1999, the family moved to Topeka, Kansas. During her few years as a resident of the Sunflower State, Lory grew in her knowledge of herself. She had always been a music fan, but her love of the classics like Led Zeppelin became entangled with love for bands like Alice in Chains, Metallica, and Shine Down. She loved attending concerts with Tyler, something they both enjoyed together on many occasions. It was also during this time that Lory began to write, meeting regularly with other writers to develop her craft. A new chapter of Lory’s life began in the mid-2000s when she moved back to Oklahoma and lived as a single woman for the first time. She worked in employment background research with HireRight in Tulsa. She formed friendships that became as close as family; it was not uncommon for her home to be filled with happy people. A small voice would ask for, “Grandma Lory!” even though she had no biological grandchildren (something she mentioned occasionally to her boys.) In fact, her home would often become home for people who did not have one otherwise. She welcomed everyone with open arms. Quality time with loved ones made her the happiest; one look at her smile while baking cookies with her daughter-in-law, Samantha, told that story better than any words could. Lory continued to work on her writing, and in 2018 she became a published author. “Katie Bar the Door” was released that summer and by the end of the year she had published three more novels. Throughout her life, Lory’s faith was central to her being. She loved God with all her heart and served Him daily by showing others kindness and compassion. The beauty of His creation was on display all around her through her abundant flower garden. Her intelligence was an inspiration and her joy for life befriended her to so many. She is already greatly missed. Lory is survived by her son Rhys Martin and his wife Samantha Extance, her son Tyler Martin and his fiancé Shanella Rae Burris, her brother David Grim, and her brother and sister-in-law Andy and Jeanie Grim. She was preceded in death by parents, Richard and Mary Ann Grim, as well as her ex-husband Tony Martin. "Due to ongoing statewide restrictions on crowd sizes and other considerations, we will be postponing the service until further notice. If you would like more information or want to make sure you are notified of the new date, please reach out to her sons. Thank you."

Violet Lorraine Martin

November 16, 1954 - March 12, 2020