Martha B Clines

Martha Balls Clines left this life Monday, October 21 at 9 pm surrounded by treasure.  At least by what she treasured most . . . her family.  She was 2 weeks shy of her 88th birthday.  Martha was born November 4, 1931 to Ardell James (Cy) Balls and Luella Barrus Balls in Fairview, Wyoming.  She was the second oldest of seven children: Ardell Dee, Franklin Dennis, Margery, Dean Merrill, Mack B., and Jerry Arden.  Cy and Lel were farmers and Martha grew up loving Fairview.  She attended Utah State Agricultural College.  She then got a job in Ogden where she met a handsome sergeant from the Air Force, Gordon Clines.  They fell in love and were married about 6 months later on December 31, 1951. 
Martha and Gordon lived in Gordon’s native Kentucky as well as Ogden, Utah, Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Montrose, Colorado before buying their small ranch and settling in Star Valley in 1968.  They raised 5 children: Bill, Bob, Val, Margie and Carol. 
Martha loved history and spent many years working on history.  She compiled extensive family histories and genealogies.  She worked for the Star Valley Independent and wrote a “Looking Back” column for 20 years where she shared family histories from Star Valley in the newspaper.  She worked as an officer in the Historical Society.  She also wrote the “Fairview News” column for 30 years. 
Martha was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served in many callings.  She loved serving others.  She worked as a substitute teacher for many years and enjoyed getting to know the students.  She loved to sew and created many beautiful things which she shared with others.  She always had a smile for those around her.
Martha is survived by her brother Mack Balls, her children William Gordon (Marty) Clines, Robert Ardell (Lisa) Clines, Val (Connie) Clines, Margery Ann (Russell) Baird, Carol Lee (Kendal) Jones and  30 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren. 
Martha will be honored at services as follows: viewing on Friday, November 1, 6:00-8:00 at the Schwab Mortuary, viewing on Saturday, November 2, 9:30-10:30, and funeral Saturday, November 2 at 11:00 am.