Katie Riesen Martens was born December 25, 1918 in Stepanovka, Ukraine, Russia. Her parents were Isbrandt & Katherina Riesen. Katie lost her mother in 1923, Liesa Spenst became her stepmother. When the family immigrated to Canada in 1926, Katie was separated from her sister, when an infection forced Louise to remain in England for a year. The family settled in Steinbach, Man., where at age 9, Katie received Jesus as Saviour. In 1933, the family moved to Yarrow, B.C. Katie was baptized at in 1934 and joined the Yarrow M.B. Church.

Katie met Jacob Martens at Church and they were married Oct. 13, 1938 at Yarrow M.B. Church. They ran a dairy farm on Sumas Prairie from 1943-63, then moved to Dyke Road. Katie and Jacob served Yarrow MB Church as deacons for 25 years, and Katie taught Sunday school and helped the ladies' aid. She was devoted to service, packaging bandages and sewing blankets for MCC. Katie and Jacob camped across North America and visited Africa and Israel. In 1982, they moved to Clearbrook, B.C., where Katie continued to grow roses. After Jacob's death, she made new friends at Tabor Home. Through challenges, Katie remained determined, faithful, brave, and sweet, and she loved the Lord above all.

Katie passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on March 10, 2013 at the age of 94 years. She was predeceased by her husband Jacob in 2007, her granddaughter Lynnette in 2009 and one sister Louise Matties in 2012. She is survived by her loving family, daughter Frieda, granddaughter Charlene, 2 brothers-in-law Aron and Victor Martens, and nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Viewing will be held on Monday, March 18 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Woodlawn Funeral Home, 2310 Clearbrook Road, Abbotsford. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, March 19 at 2:00 p.m. in Bakerview MB Church, 2285 Clearbrook Road.