Lynn Marie Martin

Lynn Marie Martin (nee Bumgardner,) May 26, 1945—June 20, 2020, passed away in the loving care of Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She was 75 years old. Although born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Lynn grew up in Cheyenne, graduated from Cheyenne East High School in 1963 and from the University of Wyoming in 1967 with a BA from the College of Education.
When they were both 12 years old, Lynn met James Martin. They became high school and college sweethearts, and in 1967 they embarked on a 53-year adventure as husband and wife. As the wife of an Air Force officer, Lynn had to accommodate several relocations with their two children in tow. Over the course of 26 years, Lynn lived in California, Virginia, Germany, Nebraska, and Alabama before retiring to Omaha, Nebraska. Lynn and Jim returned to Cheyenne in 2018 to be closer to family.
A devout Episcopalian, Lynn served on the vestry of the Church of the Holy Spirit (Bellevue, NE) in addition to a stint as church secretary. She served two years as the Director of Religious Education for Trinity Cathedral (Omaha, NE) and taught Sunday School at several of the churches she made her spiritual home throughout her military spouse years. In 1978, Lynn took courses through the University of the South’s Theology department and earned her certification as a mentor for Education for Ministry, a multi-year program of intensive bible study. For over three decades, Lynn mentored adult students in the EFM coursework, changing the lives and solidifying the faith of many. In her later years at St. Martin of Tours (Omaha, NE) Lynn joined the Order of St. Luke, a ministry of healing, and during services she provided additional blessings for parishioners following communion.
Lynn was a loving sister, faithful wife, loyal friend, and devoted mother. She enjoyed playing Bridge and Pinochle and was always up for a game of Backgammon. Her favorite activity was walking, particularly in Volksmarches, a practice she picked up during the first of three tours in Germany. She loved live theater and music but was equally comfortable with a good movie night. Lynn was an outstanding host and tour guide to family and friends who came to visit wherever she made her home. She could be silly and fun or serious and fierce as needed.
Lynn survived breast cancer in 1989 and kept her mastectomy scar as a proud reminder of the battle she fought and won. Although frontotemporal dementia claimed her wit and intelligence, Lynn’s fighting spirit remained strong. Her adult children shared the responsibilities of caring for Lynn’s wellbeing, and her last residence was Aspen Wind’s memory care unit where she was treated with respect and kindness. Hospice care lasted only a week, and gratefully, Jim was able to visit with the assistance of his skilled nursing facility. Lynn was surrounded by her sister and children at the time of her death.
Lynn is preceded in death by her infant son, Aaron Martin; parents Reuben Bumgardner and Gloria Bumgardner (Finney); and younger brother, Mark Bumgardner. She is survived by her husband James Martin; sister Louise and husband Rob Lane; son Erich Martin and wife Tanya Fiege; daughter Elisa and husband Michael McGovern; grandchildren, Brenna and Kevin Martin; and niece Megan Hiltner and nephew Ryan Lane. A private memorial service will be held at the Bumgardner Ranch in Ericson, Nebraska, for family and close friends later this year.