Rose Mary Martin

Rose Mary Martin (nee Sparks), 84, of Swansea, IL, Asleep in Jesus Wednesday, March 16, 2016. She is preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Helen (nee Brown) Sparks; her loving husband, Joseph M. Martin; 3 children in infancy, Eddie, Jack, and Jackie; and a son, Joe (Margaret) Martin; and 4 siblings, Ed, Al, Zeb, and Walter Sparks.

Rose is survived by her children, Gloria (the late Delbert) Cotton, Richard Martin, Wayne (Brenda) Martin, Helen (Bud) Fuhrman, April Glass (Larry Chestnut), Paula Golightly (Mike Lakaher), and Jay (Lee) Martin; a multitude of grandchildren spanning 4 generations; siblings, Verna Cardinale, Betty (Bill) Burkett, Leonard Sparks, and James (Rosemary) Sparks; and a sister-in-law, Betty Martin.

Rose lived a life as a good Christian and a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a very spiritual lady who always read her bible. She took pride in her country and spent leisure time crocheting. She and Joe liked to fish and spend quality time together. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. Rose was a great cook and her specialties were spaghetti and chicken and dumplings. She couldn’t have had more kindness and compassion for her family and she will be greatly missed.

Friends may visit on Friday, March 18, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. at Alexander-White-Mullen Funeral Home in St. Ann, MO. Funeral service is on Saturday, March 19 at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. Memorials are appreciated to the American Diabetes Association. Please offer condolences at www.alexanderstlouis.com.