Martha Anna Harvill

Martha spent more than 30 years with Illinois Bell Telephone, beginning as an operator and retiring from AT&T as a draftsman creating detailed drawings for telephone systems. She was known for her loving and generous spirit—always sending visitors home with a treat or a gift. Martha loved arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, music, and sewing, and she was endlessly curious about the world and current events; a trip to England was a particular highlight. Her family especially cherished her many specialties, including fried chicken, chicken and noodles, pies, and cheesecake. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her family, who will forever hold her warmth, creativity, and kindness in their hearts.

She is survived by her husband, Richard; four children, Rick (Julie), Bob (Jody), Kathy (Rusty) Smith, Teresa (John) Beard; seven grandchildren, Cassandra Harvill (Matt) Butler, Ciera (Brad) Franke, Allison (Chase) Byerline, Phillip (Haley) DeFraties, Desi Lyn (Brent) Harvey, Libi Beard, and Lili Beard, ten great grandchildren; Blake Elizabeth Butler, Amelia, Ben, Olivia, Charlotte, and Theo Byerline, Harrison, Hunter, and Cassidy Harvey, Augie McKnelly, and sister Janet (Larry) Franklin, her brother Barry Waitkus, and her sisters-in-law, Georgia Mae Waitkus, Joyce Waitkus, Judith Crowder, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers Charles and Robert Waitkus; and sisters Phyllis (Jerry) Bull, Gloria (Dave) Buragas, Mary Lou (Ray) Treuthart, twins, Marion Grace and Mary Elizabeth, her sister-in-law Deborah Waitkus, sister-in-law Lois (Charles) Moore and brother-in-law Ernest Harvill.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A private family service will be held with inurnment in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace Food Pantry, 714 East Capitol Ave, Springfield, Illinois 62701, https://www.gracelutheran-springfield.org/food-pantry