Linda Martin — A life of love, service and faith

Last week, I had the privilege of meeting Linda Martin at the Lovell Food Pantry, located inside the United Methodist Church. We sat down to talk about her remarkable life and the work she continues to do at a very spry 81 years old. I began by asking what drives her to stay so active.

“I’ve always been a Christian, and I love doing God’s work,” she said. “We’re called to help those in need. You’re never better than anyone else; maybe you have more money or a nicer home, but they’re still humans with wants and needs. If I can do something to help, that’s what I do.”

For the past 45 years, Linda has been a steady pillar of the Lovell community, and for the last seven years a driving force behind the Food Pantry. Whether stocking shelves or making grocery runs, she ensures that others’ needs are met with care and compassion.

Linda’s heart for service was evident early in life. It was something that her parents always taught. She grew up in Manistee, Michigan, and as a teenager worked as a professional model for Glen of Michigan, earning $1.00 an hour and, best of all, getting to keep the clothes she modeled. But it wasn’t long before she found a career in healthcare.

Her career took her to hospitals across Michigan, California, Colorado and Wyoming, where she began as a ward clerk and rose to roles as a surgical assistant and admissions director. Along the way, she became the proud mother of three children, Jody Lynne, John and Jim who have always been her greatest source of purpose and inspiration.

One of her most unforgettable experiences came during her time in Denver, when she and a fellow nurse helped save the life of a young boy who had been hit by a car near the hospital.

“That little boy lived,” she recalled with emotion. “And now he’s all grown up. My son actually talked to him recently. You don’t forget moments like that.”

Linda and her husband moved to Lovell in 1980 for a job at Georgia-Pacific. Since then, she has become deeply woven into the fabric of the community. She’s a former member of the Senior Center board, the longtime Queen of the local Red Hat Society and a devoted grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

She’s also known as the woman who “gets things done” at the food pantry. After starting as a volunteer, Linda now handles food purchasing and coordinates with churches and donors. She credits her faith as the foundation of her service.

Linda is quick to praise the partnerships that make the food pantry work, especially the growing relationship with the LDS Wards and Stake, which donate supplies and send missionaries to help.

“They’re such good people,” she said simply, “and are so quick to donate.”

Her no-nonsense compassion is legendary. She’s been known to buy supplies for struggling individuals, find clothes for those in need and even fed a man’s dog when he had nothing.

“If I’ve got it, I’ll give it,” she said. “That’s just how I was raised.”

Linda says many people feel nervous or ashamed when they first come to the food pantry. Her message is simple and reassuring: “I tell them, don’t worry about that. This is free. We’re here to help anyone who needs it, no matter who you are, how old you are or what brought you here. We never ask how much money you make or what your story is.”

When I asked fellow volunteer Susan Peck about Linda’s work, she said, “Linda Martin loves to help people. She saw that we had a need at the pantry, and she stepped right up. Linda moves like the energizer bunny. She has taken on shopping, organizing and cleaning the pantry, because, as she says, ‘I have the time.’ Together we keep it staffed and running.”

Susan continued, “I do not know what we would do without her. We are so lucky to have an amazing woman like her to help take charge and make things happen. She delights in hearing how many people we have helped. Linda loves our customers. I am so thankful God brought her to us.”

Over the years, Linda, Susan and the other dedicated volunteers have handed out thousands of cans, boxes and bags of food. Sometimes it’s for folks just passing through. Other times, it’s our longtime neighbors. To Linda, it makes no difference. Everyone deserves to be treated with dignity.

That legacy of love comes from her mother, a devout Christian who raised five children in Michigan and lived to age 94.

“She never remarried after my dad was killed,” Linda said quietly. “She just kept going.”

Despite a recent back surgery and a long recovery from a fall while volunteering, Linda is frequently found making lists, checking shelves and finding new ways to help. She also leads the town’s Pinochle and Bridge games and rarely misses a family event, whether it’s a graduation or a birthday party.

When I asked her for advice as I step into retirement, she offered this simple guidance: “Find something to do, anything that helps someone else. You’ll never regret it.” She added, “Just get involved. There’s always an organization out there that could use a helping hand.”

Linda Martin was recently named Lovell’s Citizen of the Year and has received other recognitions for her service, but she remains humble about the attention.

“I don’t do it for awards,” she said. “I just love people.”

And the people of our community, without question, love her back.

Let me close this tribute to Linda with a simple reminder: while these words celebrate her service, Linda would far prefer that support be turned into action. If you’re able and willing to help, consider making a donation to the Lovell Food Pantry. Contributions can be mailed to: Lovell Food Pantry, P.O. Box 324, Lovell, WY 82431.