Martha May Thome

She was born on April 30, 1935 in Glenville, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Charles Whipperman and Daisy M. Utz-Frank. Martha married Marion Thome on March 1, 2012 in Pekin.

Martha is survived by two daughters, Marty Mercer and Penny Plowman, both of Pekin; one son, Bill (LeeAnn) Stermer of Pontoon Beach; nine grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and one sister Marlene Kroft of Dover, Pennsylvania.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, two sisters, one daughter Leah Surrells, one son, Randy Hughes, two sons-in-law, Bob Mercer and James Plowman.

Martha worked at Morton Terrace in Housekeeping, retiring in 2000 after 10 years of service. She was a member of the Women of Moose and American Legion in East Peoria. Martha enjoyed dancing, traveling and spending time with family.

Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Monday, November 3, 2025 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor Jeff Anderson will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com.