Martha Jo Royer

Martha Finley Royer, formerly Martha Finley Sanford, age 87, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, in Grand Blanc, Michigan. She was born on June 22, 1939, in Flint, Michigan, to Raymond and Elizabeth Finley, who preceded her in death.

Raised in Flint, she graduated from Northern High School before continuing her education at Michigan State University, where she was a proud member of the Delta Zeta sorority. The friendships she formed during her school years remained important throughout her life. Martha lived a life defined by friendship, service, faith, and family.

Martha devoted more than 30 years as a substitute teacher in the Flint Public School System. She was known for her kindness, patience, and genuine care for students. Her quick smile and gentle nature resonated with students, providing much needed comfort and guidance. Throughout her years in education, she developed treasured friendships with fellow educators and staff.

Faith was an important part of Martha’s life. She was a longtime member of Flint Presbyterian Church, where she found spiritual guidance, fellowship, and a strong sense of community. When an outreach program needed her, Martha was ready to volunteer; she managed bake sales and was always ready to help. Her Christian faith was reflected in the compassion, humility, and generosity she shared with others throughout her life.

Martha was preceded in death by her first husband, Henry Clark Sanford, and her second husband, Ronald Royer. She is survived by her loving sons, Timothy Sanford and his wife, Martha Sanford; Mark Sanford and his wife, Susan Miller; and James Sanford and his wife, Rory Sanford.

She was a proud grandmother to Will Sanford and his wife, Laura Sanford; Kate Malone and her husband, Jack Malone; Owen Sanford; Parker Sanford; and Andrew Sanford. Martha was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Clark Sanford and Patrick Malone.

Martha is further survived by her brothers, David Finley and his wife, Joan Finley, and Douglas Finley and his wife, Marilyn Finley, along with three nephews, a niece, extended family members, and dear friends.

Martha loved traveling throughout Michigan, especially spending time in northern Michigan during the summer months. She treasured the beauty of the lakes, the peaceful surroundings, taking her time to relax and shop, enjoying a favorite restaurant and embracing the opportunity to create lasting memories. Those trips became a cherished tradition.

Above all else, Martha’s greatest joy was her family. She delighted in the accomplishments and milestones of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and treasured spending time together. They were a constant source of pride and laughter, and Martha enjoyed seeing them thrive.

Martha’s legacy lives on through the family she loved so deeply, the students whose lives she touched during her years in education, the friendships she nurtured over a lifetime, and the faith that guided her journey.

She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered with love.