Martha Ann Osborne

Martha Ann Osborne February 9, 1932 - June 22, 2020 Wenatchee, Washington Martha Ann Osborne, 88, passed away on June 22, 2020. As Martha's heart began failing, her wish was to stay in the comfort of her own home to the end. This was made possible through the skillful and loving care of Confluence Health Hospice and family. Born on February 9, 1932 to Warren and Ethel Danner on the family farm in Grangemont, Idaho, Martha was the ninth of fourteen siblings. Life was not easy growing up in the country without electricity, running water, and many other conveniences we call necessities these days. At a very early age, Martha, as well as her siblings, were required to help with the chores which included, hauling water, washing clothes on the washboard, piling brush, harvesting hay, gardening, and cutting and splitting firewood. At age thirteen it was Martha's job to run the jammer, skid logs and load the logging truck. Of course there were the responsibilities of caring for sheep, cattle, horses, goats, chickens, cats and dogs. It might seem that going to school would offer some relief from the home duties, but it only meant that the same chores had to be done before and after school. On August 28, 1949, at the age of 17, Martha married John (Jack) Osborne. Their family was blessed with Jack's son, James (Jim), Viki, and Crystal. They lived on their property near Orofino, Idaho until shortly after Crystal was born, at which time the family moved to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho where Martha worked at a box factory while Jack taught church school. It was not long before it seemed best for Martha to stay home and take care of her children, training them to do household chores and teaching them the values of a Christian life. For a few summers Martha enjoyed working in the kitchen at the church summer camp on Hayden Lake, Idaho. In 1961 the family moved to Wenatchee, Washington where Jack taught church school until his retirement in 1973. To help make ends meet, Martha worked in the kitchen at Parkside Manor Nursing home, and later at the new Colonial Vista Retirement facility, first in the kitchen and then as head housekeeper. For many years Martha took care of dozens of children in her home. After Jack retired, Martha was interim manager for assisted living centers in Washington and Oregon. She also accompanied Jack on various work-related projects that took them from California to Alaska. Martha was a long-time member of the Wenatchee Seventh-day Adventist Church. In her younger years she was very active in leading out in the children's departments. She enjoyed singing in the choir and occasionally playing her marimba for special music. Martha loved to be out in nature, camping, hiking, or just driving the scenic route. Her favorite bird was the hummingbird as evidenced in the many pictures and figurines of hummers around her home. One of Martha's most cherished desires was to have the family together as often as possible. She arranged many family gatherings even when she was too ill or weak to do the work herself. She prayed faithfully that her children and grandchildren would make right choices so that someday there will be another wonderful family reunion in heaven with no one absent. Martha is survived by her children: James (Melody) Osborne of Bonanza, OR, Viki Downey of Manson, WA, and Crystal (Stan) Tschritter of Tucson, AZ; eight grandchildren: Lisa (Brad) Pooler, LaRee (Kim) Ueeck, John Osborne, Jami (Mac) Millien, Jasen (Tina) Downey, Thaddaeus (Misty) Downey, Luke (Renaye) Tschritter and Jeremiah (Carol) Tschritter; fourteen great-grandchildren; and sisters: Ethel Brownfield, Norma McCumber, and Joyce Haley. Martha was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, Warren and Ethel Danner; brothers: Earl, Wayne, Lawrence, Leslie, Elmer, and Robert; and sisters: Laurel Danner, Frances Fry, Harriet Fullerton, and June Geidl. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be sent to Cascade Christian Academy Student Assistant Fund at 600 North Western Avenue, Wenatchee, WA 98801