Joan Adele Martin

Joan Adele Martin, longtime resident of Elma, Washington, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the age of 91 at Summit Pacific Medical Center in Elma.

Joan was born on August 7, 1934, in The Dalles, Oregon, to Harold and Doris (Meeker) Woolsey. She grew up in The Dalles alongside her siblings. Joan treasured the time she spent with her Uncle Earl at Pleasant Ridge, a family homestead built by her great-grandfather, where she developed a lifelong love of animals, ranch life, and the outdoors.

Joan graduated from The Dalles High School in 1952. On November 7, 1953, she married Charles Arthur Elkinton in The Dalles. Together they welcomed their son, Shawn. Following Charles’ passing on February 7, 1957, Joan later reunited with her childhood neighbor and sweetheart, Willis “Bill” Martin. The couple married on September 17, 1957, and together built a life centered around family, hard work, hospitality, and a shared love of animals.

After first making their home in Aberdeen, Joan and Bill later moved their family to Elma in 1976, where their farm became a gathering place full of life, laughter, music, and animals of every kind. Together they raised horses, llamas, goats, sheep, yaks, dogs, and countless cats over the years. Joan especially loved caring for animals and embraced the rhythms of farm life.

Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and matriarch whose warmth and energy filled every room she entered. She had a vivacious spirit and loved dancing, singing, music, quilting, spinning, and bringing people together. Her family and friends will forever remember her sense of humor, kindness, resilience, and her remarkable ability to make others feel welcomed and loved.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Willis “Bill” Martin, who passed away on April 3, 2021; her parents, Harold and Doris Woolsey; her brother, Doug Woolsey; and her sister, Bonnie Spickerman.

She is survived by her children: Shawn (Lois) Martin of Priest River, Idaho; Timothy (Jackie) Martin of Aberdeen, Washington; Kelly (Tim) Collins of Cle Elum, Washington; and Patricia (Wade) Carter of Elma, Washington; her brother, Sam (AnnMarie) Woolsey of The Dalles, Oregon; along with 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom she dearly loved and delighted in watching grow.

Joan leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, strength, and joy that will continue through the many lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her family and friends.

A private family graveside service was held at Elma Masonic Cemetery.

A celebration of Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the family farm in Elma, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Aberdeen PAWS of Grays Harbor or St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Aberdeen.

Friends and family wishing to share memories or receive additional information may contact joanmartincelebration@gmail.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.