Sara "Sally" Martin

Sally was born June 29, 1938, in Carbondale, IL, and raised in Vienna, IL, the daughter of Oliver and Margaret (Reynolds) Hoye. She married Russell W. Martin on June 14, 1959, in Carbondale. Russ preceded her in death on October 3, 2020. Sally was also preceded in death by her parents. She lost her father at 13 months and was raised by her mother with whom she had a special bond.

Sally graduated from Carbondale Community High School, where she was honored to be named Homecoming Queen, crowned by Russ who was the football team captain. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Illinois and taught elementary school before becoming a homemaker. When her kids were in school, she put her natural entrepreneurial skills to work as co-owner of the 40 Love Shop at the Springfield Racquet Club. Later, she was proud to support Russ in co-founding Martin Engineering Company where she played a key role serving as Vice President and office manager.

Sally treasured spending time with family and friends. She was an incredible wife, mother, and grandmother - always putting her family first. She and Russ enjoyed 61 years of a happy and loving marriage. Her children enjoyed having a mother who was a guidepost – always willing to listen, counsel, and provide them with a loving, stable home.

Good friends were an integral part of her life, starting in Carbondale and continuing in Springfield and in Naples, FL, where she and Russ spent winter months later in life. A natural social butterfly, Sally made friends in all the many activities, social groups, and nonprofit organizations in which she was involved including tennis, golf, boating, Fighting Illini athletics, PTA, Junior League, Knox Knolls Motorboat Fleet, Empty Nest Dinner Club, St. Joseph’s Home, and King’s Daughters Organization. She and Russ were members of Island Bay Yacht Club, Illini Country Club, founding owners/members of Panther Creek Country Club, and charter members of Naples Grande Golf Club where they enjoyed many fun times with family and friends.

Sally is survived by her children, Phil Martin (Kristi Lanzotti) of Springfield, David (wife, Bobbie) Martin of Springfield, and Sara (husband, Jeff) Berkbigler of Edwardsville; grandchildren, Jessica (husband, Wiley) Lavigne of Shreveport, LA, Matthew (wife, Rebecca) Martin of St. Louis, MO, Anna Martin (fiancé, Tyler Jennings) of St Louis, MO, Jackson Berkbigler (wife, Olivia Bongiorno) of Daphne, AL, Grant (wife, Morgan) Berkbigler of Minneapolis, MN, and Tyler Berkbigler of Yuma, AZ; and great-granddaughter, Mabry Elizabeth Lavigne of Shreveport, LA.

Sally will be put to rest at a private family burial service at Roselawn Memorial Park in Springfield. The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at a later date.

As Sally’s health declined in her final seven months, she received exceptional, compassionate care from the staff at Concordia Village’s REACH program. Sally was so appreciative of their care, she requested that memorial contributions be directed to the Concordia Scholarship Program, 4101 W. Iles Ave, Springfield, IL 62711, to assist the staff in their academic pursuits.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.