Obituary
Aprel
Lynne Martin, 68, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 2, 2026 in Crescent
City, California. She was born on July 26, 1957 in Corcoran, California.
Aprel
was someone you didn’t easily forget. She was quick with a sarcastic remark,
incredibly sharp, always stylish, and never afraid to say exactly what she was
thinking. She loved to laugh, loved to tease the people she cared about, and
had a way of making everyday moments more interesting. Her
greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of Donald William Smith
(Miranda), Robert Lee Smith, and Brenna Dean Martin. She loved her
grandchildren deeply: Dameon, Kaleo, Connor, and William. Mamaw was always
their biggest supporter and cheerleader.
She
is survived by her loving mother, Shirley Mae Dunehew, her children Donald and
Brenna, her grandsons, a beloved aunt, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews,
along with a wide circle of dear friends who meant the world to her. Some of
those friendships began in grade school and lasted a lifetime, while others
were formed during the past decade she spent living in Crescent City. Her
friends were family to her, and she loved them fiercely.
Aprel
was preceded in death by her father, Bobby Lee Dunehew; her son, Robert Lee
Smith; her brother, Darren Lee Dunehew; her niece, Kerri Cole; her second
husband, William Martin; and her third husband, Paul Mosher. She
also shared many important years with her first husband, Daniel who remained a
meaningful part of her life.
Aprel
spent the majority of her career working in medical billing, eventually
becoming a finance manager for a rural hospital. She raised her children in
Hanford and Taft, California before spending several years living in Phoenix,
Arizona. Her career later took her to Reno, Nevada, and eventually to
Portola, California. After retiring, she settled in Crescent City, a place she
had always loved visiting, where she could enjoy the beauty of the ocean and
redwoods while spending time with her mother and many dear friends.
Aprel
had a long list of things she loved. Science fiction, scary movies, Renaissance
fairs, farmers markets, bingo, music, tie-dye, fishing, and trying new
restaurants were all favorites. She loved cooking, making and wearing jewelry,
and spending time by the ocean with the sand between her toes. Fish and chips
were always a good idea. She also had a lifelong love for animals, especially
the many dogs who were lucky enough to be part of her family over the years.
She
will be remembered for her quick wit, laughing until she snorted, her
intelligence, sense of style, and the deep love she had for her children,
parents, grandchildren and whole family, friends, and animals. Those who knew
Aprel know she had a wonderfully dry and sometimes dark sense of humor and a
way of keeping life real even when things were hard.
Our
family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, messages, and support
during this difficult time. Your kindness and memories of Aprel mean more to us
than words can express.
A Celebration of life will be announced at a later date.