Martha Louise (Kreis) Hines

Her relationship with God was central to her life and brought her great joy. She loved worship, doing bible studies, praying and listening to teachings.

Born on September 12, 1949, Marty was the daughter of Hazen Kreis and Marie Meek Kreis Guinn. She was joyful, kind-hearted, and fun-loving, and known for bringing a gentle warmth to those around her. She lived her life fully and built close, lasting friendships.

Marty was a proud member of the Bearden High School Class of 1967, a connection she treasured throughout her life. Her high school friendships remained especially close, marked by regular dinner and game nights and girls’ weekends. Her best friend from high school, Diana Brandon, remained especially close to Marty throughout the years.

She attended the University of Tennessee, where she earned degrees in Music and Education. Music was a true joy in Marty’s life. In addition to lead roles in musical theatre productions such as “Oklahoma!” and “The Threepenny Opera,” she loved singing in her church, and sharing her voice at weddings and special occasions.

Marty spent most of her teaching career as a first-grade teacher at Norwood Elementary School with Knox County Schools, where she took great pride in helping young children learn to read, build confidence, and feel supported. After retiring from full-time teaching, she continued working part time as a reading interventionist at Belle Morris Elementary School.

She enjoyed cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers football team with her close friend Dana Worrington, attending line dancing classes, and maintaining a weekly standing date with her husband, Bob. They often made a day of it, enjoying time in the mountains, visiting Amish communities for fresh vegetables, and sharing a meal together.

She is survived by her husband, Bob Hines and her children, Steven Hines and Amy Hines all of whom will greatly miss the support and encouragement she gave them. She is also survived by her beloved stepfather, Colonel William Guinn. her siblings Marie Kreis Mirts and Hazen Kreis III (Cindy); her step-siblings Brad Larsen (Elizabeth), Bill Guinn Jr. (Becky), and John Guinn (Laurie); and many extended family members.

Marty was a devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews: Hazen Mirts (Brettany), Whitney Mirts King (John Mark), Hazen Kreis IV (Erin), Steve Kreis (Dani), Hailey Kreis Ellsworth (Madison), Victoria Guinn (Jesse), and Mac Guinn (Taylor). She maintained close bonds with her cousins, David (Debbie) and Danny (Michelle) Meek, Bucky (Kim) Meek, Sheri (Craig) Garrett and delighted in her great-nieces and great-nephews: Sydney Stahl-Mirts, Hazen Mirts II, Caroline Mirts, Jacob King, Ramona Belle King, Hazen Kreis V, Beatriz Zocante Bicudo, Erik Larsen (Megan), Colin Larsen (Nisha), Matthew Larsen, and El Guinn. A special cousin of Bob’s in which Marty enjoyed when they were able to have phone calls or get together: Jana (Phil) James. She was preceded in death by her brother, Steven Kreis; her parents, Hazen Kreis and Marie Meek Kreis Guinn; her mother-in-law, Deane Hines; her grandparents, Hazen and Martha Kreis and Cecil and Louise Meek; and her step-sister Dawn Larsen.

Marty will be remembered for her joyful spirit, her genuine kindness, and the loving presence she brought into the lives of those around her.

Services will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919. Friends will be received at 12:30 p.m., followed by a service at 2:00 p.m. There will be no graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: American Heart Association 4708 Papermill Drive, Knoxville, TN 37909; Interfaith Health Center, 315 Gill Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917; PreBorn, P.O. Box 78221, Indianapolis, IN 46278; or East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, 2018 W. Clinch Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37916