Frances Martin, 99, died Monday, January 2, 2017, at Twin Ports Health Services in Superior.

She was born on August 31, 1917, as Angnella Josephine Herbert.  Frances spent the first 5 years growing up on a farm in Iron River, WI, with her grandparents.  After her grandmother passed she moved to a childrens home in Superior, WI, which is now the Fairlawn Museum.  She spent 7 years there as her mother Gladys worked as an aide.  She had many happy memories living at the Fairlawn, one in particular of Babe Ruth visiting all of the kids.  Frances continued to live in Superior the rest of her life.

Frances worked at Cronstrom's Bakery and at St. Mary's as a nursing assistant.  She spent a lot of time at the bingo halls and monthly trips to different casinos.  Her last casino bus trip was just last year at the age of 98!  One of Fran's favorite destinations was Hawaii, she was able to go 5 times in her retirement years.  Fran loved to be in the kitchen, she is most known for her chocolate covered cherries and bran muffins.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Frances married John 'Art' Martin in 1953 and they spent 44 wonderful years together.  She had a parrot named Peter, who she adored for 40+ years, and her beloved dog Freddie who she spoiled with ice cream cones at the McDonalds drive thru!

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Art; and daughters, Marian Johnson and Toni Matthews.

Frances is survived by her son, Raymond Balow; sons-in-law, Dale Johnson, Duluth, and Michael Webster, Solon Springs; grandchildren, LeeAnn Johnson, Illinois, Terry (Dave) Fulda, Hermantown, Paul Johnson, Duluth, Cathy (Craig) Miller, Minnesota, Mike (Denise) Matthews Iowa, Steve Matthews, Minnesota, and Wendy (Jim) Madden, Superior; great-grandchildren, Lindsay Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Jennie Parks, Josie Miller, Isabelle Miller, Beth Matthews, Cailyn Matthews, Colten Matthews, Rylee Matthews, Raegen Matthews, Neve Madden, and Peri Madden; 5 great-great-grandchildren; close friends, Diane and her children, Mike, Kim, and Katie, and Bev, Bonnie, Tony, Brandon, and Barb.

A special thank you to the staff at Essentia-St. Mary's Superior and Twin Ports Health Services (Golden Living Center).