Lois B. Martin

Lois B. Martin died peacefully at her home in Goshen, Indiana, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, after several months of illness.

The youngest of nine children of Alvin Dale Bixler and Celesta Marie (Smucker) Bixler, Lois was born on April 1, 1947 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. Her family moved to Elkhart, Indiana, when she entered elementary school. Upon graduating from Bethany Christian School (Goshen), Lois went to Hesston College (Kansas). There she began a relationship with Guadalupe “Lupe” Longoria, from Alice, Texas. When both had completed their associate degrees, he returned to Texas, and she continued her college career at Goshen College.

After graduation, Lois taught elementary school in Goshen for a year, then moved to Texas and married Lupe in 1970. The couple were actively involved in the ministry of Mennonite churches in south Texas, especially in Alice, Robstown, and Corpus Christi. Lupe died suddenly in 1989, leaving Lois to raise their three children.

Lois had devoted her professional life to education. Having recently completed her master’s degree, she transitioned to teaching adult education and degree completion at DelMar Community College, Corpus Christi.

In 1996, she married David H. Martin. Upon his retirement in 2003, the couple moved to Goshen. Lois served as director of the Academic Resource and Writing Center at Goshen College until her retirement in 2015. She is remembered by students and colleagues alike as a caring and devoted teacher. In retirement, Lois regularly volunteered at The Window in downtown Goshen.

Lois is survived by her husband, David; sons, Carlos Longoria and Luis Longoria, both of Corpus Christi; daughter, María (Adam) Tice of Goshen; grandson, Ezra Tice; brother, James (Thelma) Bixler, Elkhart, Indiana; sister, Rachel (Tito) Guedea, Goshen; siblings-in-law, Oralia Longoria and Elida Garza, both of Ocala, Florida; Isabel Hinajosa of Port Lavaca, Texas; Lorenzo (Delores) Longoria, Brooksville, Florida; and Jose Longoria, Victoria, Texas; as well as innumerable nieces, nephews, and cousins around the country.

Lois will be remembered for her profound faith, her tireless commitment to help those in need, and her delight in her family. 

A memorial service will be held at Assembly/Faith Mennonite Meetinghouse, 727 New York Street, Goshen, on March 1, 2025 at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Lois’s memory to The Window or Mennonite Disaster Services.

Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with her care.

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