Lisa was born to Charles and Marlys Martens on January 22nd, 1962 in Harlan, Iowa. She was the youngest of three children with two older brothers Gary and Hal. Lisa was raised in the rural Walnut area where she developed a love of animals, the Denver Broncos, and grew to love cycling. Lisa graduated from Elk Horn-Kimballton High School in 1980. From there she attended Northwest Missouri State University where she obtained a degree in Geology.
After college, Lisa moved to Arizona where she started teaching. It was while here that she met the father of her children and had her first child, Logan, in February of 1992. Shortly after Logan was born, the family moved back to Elk Horn. Lisa became a teacher at Elk Horn-Kimballton High School where she started off teaching Math and eventually acquired the Science teaching position.
Lisa gave birth to her daughter Taeryn in May of 1999. A few years after her daughter’s birth, Lisa returned to Northwest Missouri State and obtained a Master’s degree in science education.
In early 2007, Lisa was diagnosed with breast cancer. While undergoing treatment, Lisa rode her bike across Iowa with Team Livestrong for the annual RAGBRAI. Through this experience and her continual participation with the team, Lisa became part of what she called her Livestrong family. With her strong determination and the help of many others, she set out to be a resource and set an example for people affected by cancer. She raised her family, continued to teach, and advocated for many aspects of cancer research and education becoming an inspirational figure to many.
In 2010, after seeing her son through high school, Lisa decided to pursue her dream of moving to Alaska. She obtained a position in Metlakatla, Alaska where she moved with Taeryn and her dog Kenai in the summer of 2010. Lisa taught in Metlakatla until she was offered a teaching position at Skyview High School in Soldotna, Alaska. Lisa lived and taught in Soldotna for many years and was able to cycle, hike, take pictures, and paint. Her photography was often displayed locally and she was asked by many people to take pictures for many different events.
Lisa celebrated her son’s engagement to Kelsie Schwartz in the summer of 2017, the same year of her daughters high school graduation. She attended Logan and Kelsie’s wedding in September of 2019.
Lisa’s granddaughter Clarke Penelope Thomas was born in May of 2021. Lisa made the trip to Iowa to meet her and shower her with love. She was a proud and loving grandmother.
On December 15th of 2021, Lisa passed away in the comfort of her home with Taeryn and Kenai by her side.
Lisa made an impression on the lives of many. Her children, students, friends, and family to name a few. She will be greatly missed by all and we are glad that she was able to have such a positive impact on our lives.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 1 at 11:00 a.m. at Monroe Chapel United Methodist Church in Walnut. Burial will be in the Monroe Township Cemetery in Walnut. Family will greet friends on Saturday, October 1 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the Monroe Chapel United Methodist Church in Walnut. Pauley Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
