Karen Martin

Karen Martin, born in Fullerton, California to Bill and Doretha Crabill, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, September 20th, as she sang her way into heaven. Karen’s life was a beautiful testament to strength, love, and determination. 

From an early age, Karen found joy in the simple pleasures of life, including her deep love for the beach, her talent for sewing and all her many projects she always had going on. Despite the challenges of living with multiple sclerosis for the past 50 years, Karen's unwavering spirit always shone through. She refused to let her illness define her, courageously overcoming any obstacle MS gave her.

On December 20, 1969, Karen married the love of her life, Bob, in her pink go-go dress. Together, they raised two children, Josh (Liz), and Kirsten (Derek) who were the pride of her heart. Her legacy lives on in her seven beloved grandchildren: Brennan, Emma, Brooke, Ellie, Willem, Jilly, and Emmett, who will always cherish their memories with her.

Karen’s determination to live life on her terms, regardless of her physical limitations, was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. In the end, Karen won the battle against MS, and died at a nice old age having seen her children grow into adulthood and having a personal relationship with every one of her grandchildren.

Though she is no longer with us, her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She is survived by her spouse, both children and all 7 of her grandchildren along with her beloved sister, Anita.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 26th at the Cullumber Ward Building located at 220 E. Cullumber Avenue, Gilbert, AZ 85234. We invite you to join us in celebrating our mom’s life with a viewing at 9:00 am and funeral services at 10:00 am with the burial at the Mesa City Cemetery following.

We love you mom, and we look forward to the day we see you again.

In lieu of flowers, or if you feel inclined to, donations can be made in Karen’s name to the MS Society furthering research to end this disease: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/resources/get-connected/in-your-area/aza