Martha Elizabeth (Hansen) Orvis
Martha Elizabeth (Hansen) Orvis “ran with perseverance the race marked out for her” and went to heaven on May 17, 2022 (Heb. 12:1).
She was born in Minneapolis, MN on December 14, 1959 into a family that instantly adored her. Though SMA kept her in a wheelchair, Martha was not her wheelchair nor did she live a fragile life. She could have easily chosen a mild existence, but she chose what her diagnosis would deem as wild instead. She was bold, adventurous, driven, wise, and strong. She could problem solve anything. In a world full of excuses, Martha gave none. She did not complain about the adversity she faced, but rather worked hard with a beautiful smile and abundant humor that brought laughter and joy wherever she went.
She earned a BA and an MA from California State University, Fresno and she worked with students from all situations and all types of disabilities, teaching special education for over 20 years. Martha taught in the Fresno Unified School District and also locally at: Scriber Lake High School, Lynnwood High School, Hazelwood Elementary, and Westgate Elementary. She married Dave Orvis, the “Bible Study Babe” and the love of her life, in 1994. Together they loved trips to the beach, their dogs, and making each other smile. Martha was a gifted painter, devoted friend, skilled teacher, and a passionate advocate for students who often had few people in their corner. Throughout her life, many people pushed Martha in her chair, but she did so much more in return — pushing others to step out of their comfort zones and grow while she supported, encouraged, and prayed for them.
Martha is preceded to heaven by her amazing parents, Jim and Margaret Hansen, and nephew, Tim Becker. She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Dave Orvis, siblings: David Hansen (Debbie), Mary Becker (Bruce), Tom Hansen (Kathy); in-laws: Jim & Mary Orvis, Bill Orvis (Tracy), Lisa Edwards (Tim); and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. In addition to family, Martha leaves behind an entourage of wonderful longtime caregivers who were not only her arms and legs, but who were more importantly dear friends and confidants. Dave would like to thank all of Martha’s caregivers through the years (affectionately referred to as the Sisterhood of Martha) for their generous love and care.
A memorial service to celebrate Martha’s life will be held on Saturday, June 4th at 2pm at Edmonds Presbyterian Church at 22600 96th Ave. W. Memorial gifts may be given to Cocoon House at cocoonhouse.org.
My friend! Miss seeing you more recently on Facebook and when we worked as teachers at Edmonds School District.Love your smile!
Sincere Condolences to Martha’s family
I had the good fortune of meeting Martha only once. I often recall that meeting and the inspiration she provided. My condolences to her family.
She was always lovely and a joy… warm to everyone. We loved when she came into Chanterelle. Our most sincere condolences to her family.
Martha was an extraordinary teacher who welcomed me into her classroom as a substitute teacher when I moved to WA. She created a positive, rigorous learning environment and the students enjoyed her sense of humor. She will be missed by many and leaves fond memories for hundreds of students and friends.
37 years of wild. Rafting, swimming, shopping, road trips, gardening, and cooking. Ok. She was a better cook than me. My dad built a desk that she could use at school and another friend and I planned together to make her a workstation so that she could cook or garden or do whatever it is that she wanted to craft wise. We also did a lot of crazy things. Didn’t realize that river raft trip had sections that were only a few inches deep and our raft wasn’t really quite thick enough. Oh, and just a rocky path to the river… Jumping into a pool knowing our help to get OUT of the pool wasn’t there yet? Sure. Fly a kite? OK. Macrame? Yes. Watercolor paintings? Absolutely. Waiting in the truck while I found someone to help us get her 500 pound wheelchair up the ramp and into the back of my truck? Yep. You have to shop. Finding out that the restaurant we wanted to go to had only one way in and it was narrow, pitted, and had a jury rigged ramp at the back door into the kitchen? Why not? I won’t tell you about the very stupid thing we did on a ferry to Victoria one time. Road trip from Fresno to Seattle for my wedding – over a weekend??? Yeah, she did that. She tried every thing that I made for her no matter how crazy it seemed. Made of cloth, made of wood, electric knife and foam? We tried it. I won’t play Scrabble or Boggle with her. That linguistics degree she had made her impossible to beat. Kind of like her spirit. Disability? No. It wasn’t even a question. “Find out how to do it.” That was the mission. Martha, I will miss your dedication to your work, your love of family, and your absolute head over heels love for your partner. Amazed always at your tenacity and grit. Wings, my friend. I love you too.
That smile! I worked with Martha at OPTIONS, a program at Scriber Lake. She was funny, inspiring, sometimes irreverent, and such an amazing teacher. My condolences to her family.
Martha, you are forever in our hearts. Thank you for the joy you brought to our lives in so many ways. You are missed. Condolences to you Dave and family.
An extraordinary couple, Dave & Martha Orvis! My husband Cliff and I knew and respected Dave from working with him to protect land in Edmonds now known as Hickman Park. We witnessed Dave & Martha’s love & devotion when we shared a banquet table years ago at the old Senior Center and had a wonderful conversation. It was the only time we met Martha, but I’m glad to say that conversation and that evening stick in my mind. She made a positive difference. Our hearts go out to Dave and the rest of her family and friends. Heather Marks & Cliff Sanderlin
Martha, your smile lit up a room. We met a very long time ago first as employee/employer and then just great friends. We laughed and cried together. Spent many a night going to jazz places in Fresno and eating out or cooking at home. Shopping for shoes, you once asked the shoe salesman if the sneakers you were trying on would make you run faster! He was speechless! You and I laughed so hard! LOL! God Bless you and your family, hugs to all who loved you! You will be so very missed, but you made everyone you touched so much better.