Helen Jane Martens

Helen Jane Ediger Martens

Helen Jane Ediger Martens was born March 23, 1927 to Benjamin and Mary Ediger of Inman, Kansas and passed away on the evening of September 29, 2025, at the age of 98, in Redlands, California.

She was one of seven children: elder brothers, Norvin and Clarence; elder sisters, Lillian and Verna Lee; and younger sisters, Mary Ann and Grace. After graduating from Inman High School, Helen worked at the Richard Scheble Candy Company alongside her sisters, Lillian and Mary Ann, handmaking Donatti Chocolates, until her marriage to Ray William Martens on October 4, 1947 in Hutchinson, Kansas. They had three children: Pamela Rae, William Terry, and David Allen.

Helen’s life was marked by a love for children and care for their well-being. Whether it was helping to raise her younger sisters on a dusty farm in Dalhart, Texas, working and fundraising to prevent child abuse with non-profit Childhelp USA, or taking care of her own kin; she always sought to help, protect, and love children.

Helen is survived by her sister Gracie; her children, Pam, Terry, and David; five grandchildren, Catherine, Christopher, Justin, Erin, and Lynne; and seven great-grandchildren, Christian, Jayde, Zane, Avalon, Honor, Claire, and Lauren.

The graveside memorial service will be held on October 7, 2025 at 11AM at Hillside Memorial Park.