Lynne (Cheney) Martin's Obituary
MARTIN, Lynne Ann (Cheney) – of Spring Lake, MI, age 83, passed away peacefully Friday, July 12, 2024. She was born March 10, 1941 to James H. and Beulah E. Cheney of Flint, MI.
Lynne grew up on the east side of Flint and attended the Kearsley community school system. While she didn’t mind the academics, she favored the more creative aspects involving art, music, and dance. Lynne studied ballet, tap, and toe dance and throughout her school years she participated in many church and school events, talent shows, and recitals. In the school band she played clarinet, but eventually moved on to master the role of drum majorette as that more closely aligned with her love of dance. This was evident when a majorette routine she choreographed was selected to be performed by a multi-band procession (including her) in a parade that was televised on national TV.
Lynne married right after high school and was immediately blessed with twins, who unfortunately did not survive. The union later produced three more children and Lynne was a devoted mother instilling all the love and values given to her by her parents. Even though she focused on her family, she never gave up her love of dance and opened a dance studio in her home to share that love with others. Other career pursuits over the years included working at Michigan National Bank, Garrison Insurance, Genesee Merchant Bank, and various boutiques.
Lynne eventually met the love of her life and on August 25, 1972 married David E. Martin at the First Presbyterian Church in Flint, MI. With the addition of one more child her family was complete. Lynne and Dave were the perfect match sharing their favorite pastimes of dancing, bowling, golf; and their love of family and friends.
Lynne never forsook her creative side, starting from making gifts for her parents as a child, to school arts, later exploring toll painting and home decorating (Home Interiors), and in more recent years, creating specialized greeting cards. Lynne also had an affinity for antiques as well as appreciating unique and hand-made items.
Lynne and Dave cherished outdoor outings with family that included camping, water-skiing, and RV-traveling. Embracing nature, they moved from Michigan to Cody, Wyoming (the gateway to Yellowstone). Upon retirement, they moved to Green Valley, Arizona, and in later years returned to Michigan settling in Spring Lake.
Lynne is remembered by her children Scott Osborne of Tustin, CA; Joseph (Karen) Osborne of Flint, MI; Jennifer Osborne (Dj) Henman of Spring Lake, MI; John Martin of Marietta, GA; Kristine Martin Baker of Huntingdon, TN; Bruce Martin of New Orleans, LA; Patty Martin Hatfield of Bradford, TN; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Virginia Cheney; sister-in-law Sharon (Jim) Whatling; brother-in-law Donald Martin; several nieces and nephews; and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband David E. Martin, parents James and Beulah (McNiel) Cheney, twin daughters Suzanne and Sarah Osborne, brother Frederick Mac Cheney, half-brother Duane Graczyk, brothers-in-law Richard and Doyle Martin, sister-in-law Carol (Martin) Sudbury, and her cherished fur-kids Buddy, Molly, and Teddy Bear.
In keeping with Lynne’s wishes a private family burial will take place. If you wish to honor Lynne, please consider a donation to: The Harbor Hospice Foundation or Trinity Health Johnson Family Cancer Center. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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