Norma Jeanne Martin, age 94, Joplin, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at the Communities of Wildwood Ranch where she was a resident for the past three years. Prior to this she lived at her home in Joplin on Pearl Hill (often referred to as the "Gingerbread House").
Mrs. Martin was born February 18, 1923 in Joplin, and was a lifetime resident. She was the oldest of nine children (Leon, Gerald, Wayne, Johnny, Mary, Lois, Audrey, and Carroll) born to Herman Sill and Mattie Bloyed Sill.
After graduation from Carl Junction High School, she married John A. Martin on June 19, 1941 in Joplin.
She enjoyed music, and often sang at church in a trio with her sisters Lois and Mary, and with the church choir. She was also a member of Sweet Adelines.
Mrs. Martin loved children. A lifelong member of Central City Christian Church, she taught Sunday School for the 5th and 6th graders for 42 years, and was the Vacation Bible School director for most of that time. She also worked with her sister, Mary, at Oakland Little Prep School.
She was very active in her children's schools, and helped with many school functions. After they left home, she worked at Howsmon's Office Supply.
After her husband of 49 years passed away, she married Harold Matthews in 1992. They were married 24 years when he passed away in 2015.
She is survived by her children; Dr. J. Larry Martin and wife Penny of Joplin; Jeanne Rouse and husband Dr. David Rouse of Granville, Ohio; brother, Carroll Sill and wife Jayne of Carl Junction; sister, Audrey Halmrast and husband Lester of Centralia, Missouri, five grandchildren, Jamie Smith and husband Alan of Joplin, Jenny Hopkins and husband Tony of Ozark, Missouri, John Rouse and wife Shelly of Westerville, Ohio, Aaron Rouse and wife Lisa of Worthington, Ohio, Seth Rouse and wife Tasha of West Palm Beach, Florida; six great-grandchildren, Caleb Smith, Marin and Linden Hopkins, Ella and Marie Rouse, Adriana and (one on the way baby girl) Rouse, all of whom she was very proud, and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff of Communities of Wildwood Ranch for the wonderful care they gave to Norma Jeanne, and also the staff of Three Rivers Hospice.
Funeral services will be Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Central City Christian Church, 7th and Central City, with Pastor Johnie Adkins officiating.
Interment will follow in Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Friday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Central City Christian Church.
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