Lynn A. Martin (Balthasar). Born July 3, 1945, in Cincinnati, the only child of Howard and Audrey (nee Dugan) Balthasar, Lynn passed away on Friday, March 24, while asleep in the bed she shared for more than 40 years with her devoted husband, Glenn. Lynn graduated from Eastmoor, HS, in 1963. She would go on to study education at Ohio University before ultimately graduating from the University of Akron. A woman of many talents and interests, Lynn was a tireless proponent of education. She had a curious mind and was always learning, even taking classes at Ohio State and completing a certified paralegal course at Capitol University. Lynn also encouraged the pursuit of knowledge in her children and grandchildren, whom besides her husband, came first in her life. There aren't enough words to describe the light Lynn brought into the lives of those she met. Lynn loved art, music, traveling with her husband, family, and friends. She possessed gifts for socializing and having a sincere interest in others. Indeed, she could spend hours talking to strangers, who were no longer strangers when they parted. Moreover, Lynn embodied compassion, empathy, and appreciation for all living things. She never met a person, animal, tree, plant, sunset, landscape, or even colored rock she didn't find beauty in. Lynn found expression for her talents in playing her flute, singing along to songs on the radio, her craft club and marching band reunions, both comprised of lifelong friends, as well as building the most elaborate Lego constructions, a recent hobby she often shared with her grandchildren. She was a loyal supporter of the Columbus Zoo and, consistent with her love of knowledge, COSI as well. Lynn's life could be symbolized by beauty, compassion, generosity, and unshakeable strength, as well as her remarkable work ethic. Lynn was retired from her career with the Columbus Public Schools, but she never stopped working. For the last several years, she was grateful for the opportunity to help care for her granddaughters, in whom she delighted. Lynn continued to sacrifice for her husband, children, and grandchildren. Through her example, we have all become better spouses and parents. Lynn especially loved her husband, Glenn, whose selfless love and generosity she credited for giving us all a better life. It would sometimes bother Lynn that in times of struggle, Glenn would tell her to "relax", that "it will be okay". "Everything will work out." For you see, Lynn was a worrier. Not so much for herself -- indeed she never expressed self-pity -- but for those she loved. Lynn was a fan of all things Disney. She and Glenn sacrificed to ensure their family could have one vacation a year, more often than not to Disney World. While early trips involved the family sleeping in the van and a tent at a campground in Orlando, her most recent trips included those to Aulani Resort in Hawaii and Bay Lake Tower at WDW, where she and Glenn were able to experience the comforts and rewards of lives well lived, as well as each other's company. Preceded in death by her parents, her first husband David Youst, and her oldest grandson David. Lynn is survived by her doting husband, Glenn, whom she loves dearly; and their five children, she is survived by 18 grandchildren; her Youst in-laws; and her friends, too numerous to mention individually by name here, but each and every one of whom she loved and appreciated for their friendship. Lynn selflessly gave her all to everyone around her. She wanted only for people to love one another. She will be missed. To her husband, Glenn, Lynn would apologize for leaving him so soon. She was needed elsewhere. You are her knight in shining armor. She would want you to take good care of yourself and your family. Finally, she would remind you to relax. Everything will work out. It will all be okay. Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 29, 2017 from 3-7 p.m. at SCHOEDINGER MIDTOWN, 229 East State St., Columbus, OH 43215 where a funeral service will take place Thursday March 30, 2017 at 10 a.m. A private interment will follow the service at Evergreen Union Cemetery in Waverly, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make contributions to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, 9990 Riverside Dr., P.O. Box 400, Powell, OH 43065.

Columbus Dispatch
27-18 March 2017
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