Mary Rose Martin

Mary Rose Martin, 80, of Springfield, passed away at 5:47 p.m. on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at Memorial Medical Center. Mary Rose was born December 12, 1936 in Murphysboro, the daughter of Gus and Alice Jenkins Huppert. She married Donald L. Martin on January 30, 1960 in Springfield. Mary Rose graduated as Salutatorian of her class from Murphysboro High School in 1954. She earned her bachelors degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She went on to teach for Springfield Public School District 186 and retired after thirty-one years of service. She was proud of raising her son and her teaching career. Mary Rose enjoyed reading and read to the residents at Mary Bryant Home for the Blind every Monday at 2:00 p.m. for eighteen years with no sick days. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Fred Huppert; sister-in-law, Polly Huppert; and nephew, Jack Huppert. She is survived by her husband, Donald L. Martin of Springfield; son, David (Lynnette) Martin of Springfield; and one grandchild, Grant Martin. The family also hosted two exchange students that survive, Kate of Frankfort, Germany who is a journalist and Dorthi of Norway who works for the UN. Visitation and Remembrance Ceremony: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th Street, Springfield. The visitation will begin with a Remembrance Ceremony at 4:00 p.m. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center after ceremonies. Private family inurnment will be at Roselawn Memorial Park in the Evergreen South Columbarium. Memorial contributions may be made to Mary Bryant Home for the Blind, 2960 Stanton St., Springfield, IL 62703; St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000 Dept 142 / 501 St. Jude PL, Memphis, TN 38148; or Shriners Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110.