Martha Ann Herberger

She was born on October 3, 1939, in Peoria, IL, to Loren D. and Pauline E. Simpson. Marty graduated from Woodruff High School in Peoria, IL, and later earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification from Illinois Central College in 1972. She dedicated over 32 years of her life to nursing, caring deeply for those she served.

She was first married to Gerald P. Hornbacker, with whom she shared 3 wonderful children, and 21 years of marriage before they divorced. Later, she married Kenneth Herberger, and they spent more than 30 years together until his passing in 2015.

When she lived in Bartonville, IL, she had a passion for travel and was known for planning unforgettable family vacations. Whether selecting a destination, hotel, or restaurant, she’d always beam and say, “I picked this one!” She belonged to a “card club” full of her closest friends, in which it eventually turned into a “gossip club”, concerning what all their kids were up to. Marty was the glue to the Hornbacker/Simpson families, in which she hosted most Thanksgivings, Christmases, and birthdays.

In her later years, Marty embraced life to the fullest in Sun City West, where she enjoyed an active social life with her beloved posse of girlfriends. Her days were often filled with swim aerobics, long walks, lunches, and dinners out. She cherished these friendships deeply and thrived in the joy and connection they brought her. Marty also loved a good movie and was an avid reader, especially fond of romance novels.

Marty had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. She was recently confirmed at Crown of life Lutheran Church, which became a treasured part of her life. She loved everything about it—the services, the fellowship, and the people who welcomed her so warmly.

A natural conversationalist, Marty made friends everywhere she went and was never a stranger to anyone. She loved to talk, share stories, and—most of all—brag about her children and grandchildren. Her many friends were a great comfort to her family during her final days.

Marty’s family was the center of her world, even across distances. She is survived by her three children: Kent (Sylvia) Hornbacker, Kurt (Colleen) Hornbacker, and Lee Ann (John) Connelly; two step-children, Lindi Demanes and Bruce Herberger; six grandchildren, Veronica, Christopher, Kathleen, Ryan, Meghan, and Cassidy; two step-grandchildren, Derek and Shawna; four great grandchildren: Jacob, Joel (deceased), Daniella and Viviana; her brother, Richard (Sue, deceased) (Margaret) Simpson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

A celebration of Marty’s life will be held at a later date.