Leora Lorene Bottens Martin

Leora Lorene (Bottens) Martin departed this world early in the morning of 4 Jan 2014. Lorene was born in 1917 at Ashton, Kansas. She is survived by three children, Carole Schafer of Mabelvale, Betty McBurnett (Searcy) of Little Rock; and William Martin (Lucy) of Jane, Mo., one sister of Rogers, Ark., two grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Lorene was preceded in death by her husband Carl Martin, parents, Mable (McCullough) Bottens and Walter Bottens of Rogers, Ark., two brothers, and three sisters. Lorene's parents moved to Rogers, Ark. when she was just a child. Lorene attended the University of Arkansas, where she met Carl Martin, which resulted in a marriage that lasted 69 years until his demise in 2007. Lorene and her husband moved to the Mabelvale, AR area where her children were raised, and she lived until passing. Lorene returned to the University of Arkansas, and received her BS degree. In her early years she was active in the Home Demonstration Club (sponsored by US Dept of Agriculture). She retired from the Arkansas State Plant Board after a career of working with seeds. She was active in the Business and Professional Women of Arkansas (BPW) organization, and after retirement was active in the Gardenia Garden Club and the Little Rock Council of Garden Clubs. She was physically active in gardening and flower growing until her early 90's. A private memorial service is planned for a later date. Memorials may be sent to Arkansas Hospice Foundation, 14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Ark. 72116.