Gwendalene J. Martin, 86, a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, passed away in her sleep from the results of Alzheimer’s disease on November 17, 2017, at Colonial Columns Nursing Home. She was born April 14, 1931 in Oxford, Arkansas to Troy and Lois (Cantrell) Caruthers. She was the older of 2 siblings. She graduated from Oxford High School in 1949 and was awarded a college scholarship. Gwen was married to Knowles Byron Martin Jr. in Wichita, Kansas in 1951. They moved to Colorado Springs in 1953 to be closer to Byron’s family. Byron preceded her in death in 1984. Gwen worked as book keeper for Sears, Montgomery Wards, Cowen Transfer and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences.
She really liked to participate in ball room, square and polka dancing. Gwen enjoyed sewing, gardening and was an exceptional cook. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and husband. She is survived by her brother, Junior (Mary Ann) Caruthers of Independence, Missouri; her sister, Glenna (Jerry) Goodwin of Healdton, Oklahoma; her son, Philip (Valerie) Martin of Montrose, Colorado; and her grandson, Curtis (Tyra) Martin of Austin, Texas. The family would like to thank Luann at Colonial Columns for the exceptional care and kindness she showed to Gwen. Cremation has taken place and a private family service is planned for next summer.