Martha M. Willhite

Martha M. Willhite, 69, of Springfield, died at 9 am, Sunday, October 12, 2014 at her home surrounded by her family.  She was born February 15, 1945 in Taylorville, to Louis and Mary Earney Akley.  She married John Willhite, November 13, 1966 and he survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Lisa Ann (James D.) Potts of Rochester, Jackie (Loren) Willhite-Gross and Tami Marie Willhite both of Springfield; two sons Michael Eugene (Companion: Brenda Rodgers) Willhite of Springfield and Donald Ray (Ella E.) Willhite of Mt. Sterling; nine grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; two sisters, Mary “Sis” and Rose both of Rolla, Missouri; four brothers, Bob (Deanna), Louie (Tina) and Dave Shanks all of Taylorville and Frank (Leak) Shanks of Texas and  several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Bobbie Jo Roth; two sisters, Rita Shanks and Alice Ross and three brothers Billy, Jim and Lonnie Shanks.

Martha was a devoted wife and loving mother to all her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed shopping, gardening, cooking; cleaning and garage sales.

Visitation: 4-7 pm, Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home.

Funeral Service:  10 am, Friday, October 17, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Alzheimer’s Association.