Martha Lyons

We are saddened by the loss of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother on December 22, 2010. Martha Stella Jensen was born April 10, 1922, to Karl and Milinda (Forest) Jensen. She lived in Fargo most of her life, graduating from Fargo Central High School with honors. She married William “Bill” G. Lyons May 16, 1942, in Texas, where Bill was stationed. They made their home in Fargo after Bill’s discharge. They had four children. She worked for Firestone until Bill purchased an accounting and tax service in 1950. He needed help, so she went to work with him, taking over when he passed away September of 1985. She ran the business with her daughter, Linda’s, help until her death. Martha was in Eastern Star moving through different levels. She became Matron of Honor. She loved being a part of this, however, her greatest love was her grandchildren, great, and great-great children. In 2000, she was told she had cancer and then in 2008, she was told she had another cancer. Her strong will kept her going. In December, she was told she had congestive heart failure and she passed on December 22, 2010. She left behind her children, Linda Schaffer; Louise (Stan) Zumbrunnen; Pat (Al) Boor; and Steven Lyons; one sister, Kate Jessup; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; six great-great grandchildren and one on the way; also many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill of 42 years; son-in-law; and a great-great granddaughter; two brothers; and three sisters. Celebration of Life: Saturday, January 8, 2011, at 2:00 PM, at Shepherd of the Prairie Church, 6151 25th St. S., Fargo. Visitation: Friday, January 7, 2011, from 5-7 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo. Inurnment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Fargo, ND.