A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 31, 2017, at GracePointe Church in Milwaukie, Oregon.  Click HERE for directions. 

Marti requests in lieu of flowers to please make donations to Providence Benedictine Hospice 580 South Main Street Mount Angel Oregon 97362.

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After a protracted battle with cancer, Martha (Marti) Ann McLain died on July 26, 2017, in Mt. Angel, Oregon, at the age of 67.

Marti was born on April 20, 1950, at her grandfather’s house in Chehalis, Washington, to Kenneth and Betty Madison.  She was the fourth child and first daughter of six siblings.  Along with her parents, Marti is preceded in death by her husband, Luther Ray McLain, her stepson, Brad McLain, and 3 siblings: Connie, Bill, and Carol.

Marti learned of Jesus Christ (YHWH) when she was eight.  Many years later, in 1992, she woke up with a burning desire to go for the first time to Milwaukie First Baptist Church, where she knew the sermon was directly for her.  Marti believes it was there she finally committed her life to Jesus and dedicated her life to serving Him.  Marti joined Milwaukie First Baptist (now GracePointe) and was an active member of the prayer group and choir and developed many long-lasting friendships.

In 1971, Marti married Brad Charters and moved to New Jersey.  Traveling to the east coast sparked her love for travel, something she would embark on after her retirement in 2014.  Her travels took her places all across the Unites States of America.  However, the highlights of any trip were the times she was able to spend with her loved family members.

Later, Marti married Luther Ray McLain, and was blessed with four step children: Darran, Tara, Paul and Brad, whom she loved deeply.

In 2004, Marti believed God told her to “trust” Him, not knowing the trials were soon to follow.  These trials started with an eleven-day hospital stay for pancreatitis, a prelude to her pancreatic cancer.  Pancreatitis was soon followed by her husband’s diagnosis of cancer, which eventually lead to his passing in 2006.

Marti at times felt lonely, although she knew she was never alone.  She knew YHWH was with her through every trial and tribulation.  It is her desire to tell you, this trust in Christ has been her foundation.  She wants to emphasize how important it is for you to trust in God, through every tribulation.

During her last days, Marti was a fighter and always in great spirits.  She knew with her faith in the Lord, she had nothing to fear.  She was also blessed to have time with all her family and friends, and the opportunity to say good-bye.

Marti is survived by her two sons, Raymond and Ian Charters; her step children, Darran McLain, Paul McLain, and Tara Whaley; two siblings Keith Madison and Shirley Edwards; 18 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Marti is much loved and will be greatly missed.