Louise K. Martin

Louise Katherine Martin joined our Lord on April 6, 2021 at her Devine home surrounded by family.  She was born May 10, 1924 to Paul and Amalia Kneuper who were farmers in the Comal Community south of New Braunfels.  She was the youngest child of four and sadly lost her mother at the age of 9.  Her Aunt Bertha and a special friend, Mama Shinert became her second mothers.  She received an 8^th grade education by attending four schools:  St. Joseph’s, Green Valley, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and Stockdale.  She worked in San Antonio as telephone operator.   She met Alton Martin when he was visiting at his sister-in- law and brother’s dairy farm near Elmendorf.  They corresponded during WW II and married Jan. 23, 1946 when he returned from the Marines.  They made their first home in Stockdale and moved to Devine in 1952.  They were married for 58 years and were blessed with five boys and one girl.  One of the first talents she quickly developed was how to be a nurse because there were always cuts, scrapes, splinters and thorns to remove, to name just a few of the things to which she had to tend.  She was also the needed “home veterinarian” in their farm operation of hogs, cattle and chickens.

She was a Master of Home Economy as she cooked, cleaned, canned, baked, crafted, sewed and quilted.  She could sew anything from doll clothes to dress jackets.  She made many wonderful gifts for the family.   She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend to many.  She had a quick smile and cheerful attitude that everyone loved.

She remembered to mail cards for all family and friend birthdays and other special occasions. Louise enjoyed working with local florists, Jane Hardt and Sherry Herring.  She loved playing Bunco with her special group for many years.  She especially loved children and cats…. and dancing!

Louise was a strong woman of faith.  She belonged to St. Joseph’s Christian Mothers, taught CCD, and was head of the funeral meals committee for many years. 

Louise is proceeded in death by her parents; siblings: Pete and Bernard Kneuper, Johanna Demmer; her husband: Luther Alton and all her in-laws; son: Lawrence Alton; and granddaughter: Tiffany Hamby.

She is survived by 5 children (and spouses): Paul (Betsy),  John (Susie), Charles (Kathy), Ken (Linda),        Linda Gunn (Tim) and daughter-in-law Barbara;  20 grandchildren: Jeremy (Catherine), John (Amber)   Angela Schaefer (Evan),  Lisa Louro (Michael), Matt (Kate),  Jessica Perez (Ted), Nathan (Meagan),      Rebecca Cantu (Joseph), Hilary Chambers (Bryan), Gabriella, Victoria Brown (Clayton), Ryan (Natalie),    Brent (Tami),  Michael (Jordan),  Eric (Jamie), Tyler , Justin Driver (Lisa), Ian Driver (Ashley),                     Crystal Riff (Brett), Tim Gunn (Tracey)  and 41  great-grandchildren.

Please join us celebrating her life: 

Visitation will be held Friday, April 9, 2021, 2:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. family and friends will be sharing memories from 5:30 P.M. until 6:30 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 6:30 P.M. Hurley Funeral Home Chapel Devine, Texas.  Prayer service will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021, 10:00 A.M. St. Joseph Catholic Church Devine, Texas with interment held at 2:30 P.M. Stockdale City cemetery.

Per the families request masks and social distancing must take place during all funeral services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to charity of choice.

Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guestbook may do so at www.hurleyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Hurley Funeral Home, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas, 78016, (830) 663-4445.

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