DeElva Lofton Martin
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February 3, 1937 – March 28, 2019
Resident of San Jose, California
DeElva was born on a farm outside of Post, Texas. Her father was killed in an auto accident when she was nine years old, and she was raised by her mother Jessie Lofton on her grandfather’s farm. Her grandfather was a Church of Christ minister who traveled to West Texas towns initially by horse and buggy.
Life was not easy. DeElva began chopping weeds in the fields at a young age with her sisters. They killed rattlesnakes with their hoes for fun. Her nickname was “Peanut”.
She met her husband Skip Martin, son of an oil field worker, in high school. They were married for sixty-five adventurous and happy years. They travelled in Asia and Europe in conjunction with Skip’s work and Air Force duty. They lived in Malaysia for close to two years. She readily made friends with people of other countries. DeElva loved to travel, and to take many road trips in the USA.
DeElva was an avid football fan, especially pro-football! Her teams were the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos. She took no excuses for poor play! In high school she was an All District basketball player, and an outstanding softball player. She also loved to bowl and to ski. She was an excellent bridge player, and played regularly with close friends.
DeElva’s career was wife, mother and homemaker. She gave total support to husband Skip in his work, and the freedom to hunt, fish and jeep with his buddies. She was a dedicated mother to sons Dirk and Greg giving them guidance and support as they grew up. She never missed a game or activity. She was also an outstanding cook, and her homes were hospital clean. DeElva was warm, friendly and had a great sense of humor. She was a joy to be around, and made many close friends who loved her.
Family was everything to DeElva. She made regular trips to Post, Texas to see her mother, brother Billy Joe, and sisters Joyce, Jean, Gloria and their families. She loved being with sons Dirk, Greg and grandsons Gregg, Matt, granddaughters Jennifer, Lorna, and great grandchildren Mitchell, Sasha, Nino and Jack here in San Jose.
The later years were difficult for DeElva. She was in constant and often severe pain, and on kidney dialysis four times a week. Tough Texan that she was she did not complain, but courageously persisted.
She passed peacefully surrounded by family. A celebration of her life will be held in the future.
