Linda Lou (Martig) Sartwell

1946-2026

Linda Lou (Martig) Sartwell, 79, of Newberg, Oregon, passed away on March 4, 2026.

Linda was born on Oct. 26, 1946, to Samuel Paul and Kathryn May (Mountz) Martig in Salem, Ohio. She developed her admirable work ethic and attention to detail while performing chores on the family’s dairy farm, which she continued to love and remember throughout her life. After Linda graduated from West Branch High School in 1964, she earned a degree in elementary education at Malone College in Canton, Ohio.

She met Richard Sartwell while they were both studying at Malone, and they married on June 28, 1969. Linda and Richard went on to have two daughters: Deborah Kay Sartwell and Elissa Marie Sartwell. For many years, Linda attended Salem First Friends Church, where Richard was on the pastoral team from 1976 to 1988.

Linda was predeceased by her parents, her older brother David Lee Martig, and three children who were mid-term miscarriages: Kathryn Lucille, Jonathan Paul, and B.J. She is survived by her husband, Richard Clark Sartwell, brother Keith Martig, daughters Deborah and Elissa, granddaughter Anju Lucille Rajhansa, and several nieces and nephews.

Linda’s death was unexpected but will spare her from the lingering burden of Alzheimer’s. The family is grateful for what C.S. Lewis called a “severe mercy.”

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Newberg Friends Church Bell Choir (Newberg, Oregon), or to the Paul & Kathryn Martig Memorial Scholarship at George Fox University, or to a charity of your choice.

4/17/26