Martha Hoyes

Martha Hoyes (nee Vust)

Martha Hoyes, of Portage la Prairie, peacefully went to be with her Lord, with her family by her side, on Friday, February 15, 2013 at 90 years of age. Martha lived a full life, giving of herself tirelessly. She left a legacy of hard work, acceptance, faith and love for which we are all grateful. While she will be missed here on earth, we are thankful for the assurance that she is enjoying a pain-free eternity with Jesus. We look forward to the day when we can enjoy the splendour of heaven with her.

Born at home in Lyon County, Iowa to Henry and Grace Vust, Martha was the first of 12 children. She attended school until grade 8 (which was normal at the time), then she did domestic work around home and helped raise her eleven siblings. In 1947, when she was 25 years of age, the whole family moved from the United States to their new home in Canada, just east of Portage. She worked at the Indian Residential School for three years and then completed her nurses' training at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg. After graduating, she worked at the old Portage General Hospital (which became Holiday Retreat after the new hospital was built). In 1953, Martha met Keith Hoyes and they were married a year later. Work took them from Portage to Brandon to Norway House and then back to Portage, where they built a house and eventually a business, The Craftsman Shop, east of Portage. During these years, Martha kept busy raising four children and helping Keith establish his business. In 1961 Martha began a long, dedicated career at the Portage General Hospital, working various shifts and positions for the next 27 years.

The year 1988 was significant in her life a�" she retired from the hospital, Keith passed away in an auto accident, she sold the business and moved to her new home in west end Portage. This really was the beginning of a new life for Martha. She had time for traveling, including several cruises, bus trips and trips to see her kids and grandkids, which she did frequently. Family was extremely important to Martha and seeing everyone all together gave her the greatest joy. Another passion for Martha was serving. She gave countless hours of her time volunteering at the hospital, church and a�" her favourite a�" Portage MCC. Every family member has treasures that she found at MCC.

While Martha enjoyed remarkable health all her life, the last three months presented new challenges for her. The family is extremely grateful for the wonderful care given by the many doctors and nurses who treated her, including the palliative care staff who worked through the final days of her life to ensure that she remained comfortable at home until her transition to heaven. In addition, words cannot express our deep gratitude for the selfless, sacrificial service of Martha's youngest sister, Alice, over the past few months. Thank you, Alice, for the compassionate care you provided to mom and for the support and encouragement that you gave the family. You are a blessing.

Martha was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Grace Vust and her husband, Ronald Keith Hoyes. She leaves to honour her memory her children and their families: Janice Ross a�" Stephen (Jolene) Ross and Peyton Ross, Breanne (Miles) Irwin and Colby, Leah and Baylie Irwin, and Nicholas Ross; Lorraine (Albert) Dethmers a�" Christina, Carolyn and Janelle Dethmers; Stephen (Pat) Hoyes a�" Chad (Heather) Miller and Nicole Olson, Braydon Barthlette Olson and Madison Miller, Jacqueline Hoyes; Dorothy (Daryl) Britton a�" Braden (Stephanie) Britton, Denise (Michael) Bailey, Amber and Sean Britton. Martha is also survived by her siblings a�" Selma Vust, Freda (Albert) Moman, Alvin (Jenny) Vust, Harry Vust, Frank (Ruth) Vust, Gilbert Vust, Merle Vust, Joyce Vust, Lois (Jack) McCormick, Roy (Darlene) Vust and Alice Vust, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 19 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. A service celebrating her life will be held at the McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, February 20 at 1:30 p.m. Fellowship and refreshments will be served at Bible Baptist Church, 765 Saskatchewan Avenue West, Portage immediately following the service. Private interment will have been held prior to the service. Martha's grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, please consider Portage MCC or a charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com