Carol Elaine (Bell) Martin

A memorial service for Carol Elaine Martin, 80, of Portales, will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Faucett officiating.

Carol Elaine (Bell) Martin was born on  August 17, 1943, in Clovis, New Mexico to the home of Ethlene (Hines) and Addis Bryan Bell, and died September 12, 2023.

Carol grew up in Texico, New Mexico and attended school there.  She graduated from Texico High School where she was a Varsity Cheerleader and Miss Flame of Texico in 1962.  Carol married the love of her life, Butch Martin in the Spring of 1963.  Carol worked many years as a professional painter for Manasco Construction and took pride in her work.  Later in life she went on to work at Anthony’s Clothing Store enjoying the gift wrapping during the holidays.  Carol enjoyed helping take care of her grandkids as well as her great grandkids.

Carol enjoyed putting together photo albums, baking and cooking, fishing and of course shopping.  She also enjoyed making her pop bottle dolls.  Carol coached girls’ softball as well as played herself, was in a bowling league, and she always caught the biggest fish.  She was always the life of the family gatherings. She loved singing karaoke and especially loved spoiling the grandkids.   

Carol is survived by her husband, Kenneth “Butch” Martin of the home; her daughter, Janice Hardin & husband Richard of Portales; her son, Larry Martin of Portales; her sisters, Darlene Simpson of Lubbock and Marlene Ford of Portales; five granddaughters, Codie Ladezma & husband Daniel of Lubbock, Ashleigh Hardin Church of Portales, Leslie Brown & husband Brandon of Portales, Brittany Hardin & significant other Matthew Cordova of Portales, and Shelby Shields & husband Tyler of Friona, and eleven great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Addis & Ethlene Bell, and two siblings, Katherine McDermitt and Weldon Bell.

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