Martha Ellen Klink

BURLEY - On the morning of July 31, 2014, Martha Ellen Klink passed away not to leave her loved ones behind, but to join her husband of 66 years, Albert Klink, who passed away just a month and a day before her. Although she will be greatly missed and always loved, she walks now hand in hand with her husband in a garden, in a place beyond beauty.

Martha was born on Jan. 7, 1921, in Burley, Idaho, to Elwood Lance and Bertha Mable (Alfsen) Trout. She spent her childhood growing up on their family farm enjoying the country and riding her father’s draft horses. After graduating from Burley High School, Martha attended and graduated from the Albion State Normal School. For four years she taught at the Overland Elementary School while serving as a Red Cross volunteer. In 1945, she joined the Women’s Army Corps and was stationed at Fort Belvoir, near Alexander, Virginia. From there she was honored to see President Harry Truman lay a wreath on the Unknown Soldier’s grave. After serving in the WACS, Martha attended the University of Oregon and studied journalism.

On Aug. 8, 1948, Martha married Albert and from that point on she spent a lifetime with her loving family making memories and touching the hearts of many in their time together. A woman of companionship and dedication, Martha worked alongside her husband and later son, David, in their florist shop for 55 years. In 1994, she received the award of Woman of Distinction from the Soroptimist International of Burley.

An active member in her community, Martha was a member of the Eastern Star, Soroptimists, and the United Methodist Church.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Albert Klink; and her granddaughter, Autumn Sutton.

She is survived by her four children, David (Kini) Klink, Gayle Martens, John (Sondra) Klink, and Marilee (Phil) Kniep; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and her two brothers, Robert (Gerrie) Trout, and Les Trout.

Martha’s family would like to thank Dr. Margo Saunders, Minidoka Home Health and Hospice, Delores Gerhardt, Irene Soto, Pam Denton, Jazmine Aceves, and Veronica Gomez for all of their love and support to Martha.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, at the United Methodist Church, 450 E. 27th St., in Burley, where friends and family may call from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Officiating will be the Rev. D. Scott Allen. Eastern Star rites will be presented by the Rupert Chapter #39. Burial will follow at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Burley with military rites provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization.

Each garden has its one flower that blooms and prospers with tender loving care. To Albert, a florist of 55 years, Martha was that flower that bloomed in their love for each other, their love for their family, and their community. As the seasons change and new flowers begin to grow, may we never forget the beauty and perfection of those passed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.