Diana Norton Martin died on May 20. She was born in Evanston on July 20, 1926, the first child of Norman and Mary Funk. She attended school in Evanston, where she participated in cheerleading and in the high school band. While in school, she entered a national essay contest on the privileges that we enjoy in the United States. She was one of six winning students, and her essay on the right to vote was published in “Look Magazine.” She was selected “Best All-Around Girl” of the class of 1944.
She married Robert Norton III on Feb. 20, 1947. The marriage was blessed with four children: Richard, Susan, Marian and Linda. When Robert died in 1961, Diana began the difficult task of rearing these four children on her own. In 1970, she married Gene Martin. He died on Feb. 6, 2011.
Diana was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many callings, including the Stake Primary Presidency and the Ward Relief Society Presidency. She was a very good visiting teacher. She was known for her independence, strength and kindness. Anyone who was privileged to eat one of her pies knew that it was the best they had ever tasted. She tried very hard to make others happy.
Education was very important to her. She encouraged her children and grandchildren in this endeavor. Many degrees were awarded to her children and grandchildren with her strong encouragement.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Norma Lou; her husbands, Robert and Gene; son-in-law Tom George; and an almost-daughter Rhonda Voss.
She is survived by her children, Richard (Cathy) Norton; Susan (Kevin) Heyborne; Marian (Gene) Smith; and Linda George. She is also survived by her siblings George (Mary) Funk, Linda (Mark) Hobson and John (Jennifer) Funk. She left nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. They all loved her very much.
There were many people who were of great help to Diana during the last few years. The family would like to thank them all for their help and kindness. They would like to give special love and thanks to Cathy Frame, her home health care nurse. Her last days would have been impossible without this wonderful woman.
In lieu of flowers, Diana requested donations be made to Primary Children’s Hospital.
Funeral services for Diana will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24, at the LDS Sage Street Ward Building. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services only. Burial will take place at the Evanston City Cemetery following the service at the chapel.
Online condolences can be made at www.crandallfhevanston.com.
