Evelyn "Lucille" Martin

Evelyn Lucille Martin passed away Thursday, June 9th, in Scottsdale, Arizona, two days after her 94th birthday. Lucille was born in Carlsbad New Mexico, June 7, l917, the first child of Homer and Angie Caiar. She attended school in Carlsbad and was valedictorian of her graduating class in 1935. Lucille married Hampton Martin in 1936, became a member of the First Methodist Church, and worked for several years at the Carlsbad Gas Company before becoming a full time mother in 1941. An interest in oil painting developed in the late 1940's leading to her to a prolific painting career until her mid 80's. Lucille won numerous awards over the years, taught workshops in several different states, and was recognized for her achievements in "Who's Who In American Art. Her paintings are in public and private collections across the United States including the New Mexico and Arizona State Capital Buildings as well as being featured several times in "Arizona Highways" magazine. She served as First Lady for the Carlsbad Sesquicentennial celebration in 1963 when Hampton was Carlsbad's mayor. The family moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 1965 when Hampton became superintendent of Duval Corporation mining properties in that area. Throughout her life she enjoyed dancing and was a founding member of Carlsbad Dance Club and subsequently became president of a dance club in Tucson. She remained in her home in Tucson until 3 years ago before moving to an assisted living facility in Scottsdale. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Emil "Emit" Caiar and husband of 46 years, Hampton Martin in l982. She is survived by her sons: Dr. Hal Martin & wife Gene of San Antonio, TX; Ned Martin & wife Deanne of Tucson; Guy Martin & Angelica of Scottsdale; grandchildren: Gregory Martin, Sam Martin, Haley Rushing, Dena Tippetts, Kelli Martin and Jill Comer, and 9 great-grandchildren as well as nieces Shirley Scott of Albuquerque NM, Donna Alexander of Clovis NM, Sue Young of Carlsbad, NM and nephew, Raymond Vechan of Amarillo TX and their families. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Thursday, June 16, 2011, 10:00 AM at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dan Boyd officiating. Burial will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com