Chloris was born December 1, 1913 in Eldora, Iowa, daughter of William Albert and Dema Gail (McMillian) Cowell. She graduated from the Eldora High School in 1932. On June 11, 1936 she was united in marriage to George William Martin in Marshalltown, Iowa. They resided in Eldora their entire married lives. The couple owned and operated the Coast to Coast Store in Eldora from 1935 until selling the store in 1964. Chloris was a member of the Eldora United Methodist Church for 74 years, and was a former member of the United Methodist Women. She enjoyed doing needle work and doing hand crafts.
Surviving Chloris is her son, Gene (January) Martin of Charles City, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Judy Martin of Eldora, Iowa; brother, Gordon (Jean) Cowell of Cedar Falls, Iowa; sister-in-law, Phyllis Cowell of Marshalltown, Iowa; six grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death was her husband, George; son, Roger Martin; parents; sister, Betty Cowell; two brothers Glenn and Joe Cowell; grandson, Roderick Wolcott; and infant great granddaughter, Rylee.