Ethel Lucille Martin

Mrs. Ethel Lucille Martin, age 99, of Pekin, passed away Friday, November 22 at her home. 

Lucille was born September 15, 1925, in Manson, Iowa the daughter of Samuel Lewis and Viola Catherine Rippy Jones. Her mother passed away when she was small and she was raised by William and Etta Motsinger. She was a member of Salem First Baptist Church, and Piecemakers Quilt Guild. She helped organize the Washington County Art Guild. Lucile was retired from the ASCS office and had also worked at Salem Creamery, and Wash/Scott County Farm Bureau Co-op. In 1980, Lucille and her sons built and ran a recreational park, Back Akers in Pekin. 

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband: Kenneth Martin on November 21, 2022. She was also preceded in death by four brothers: Kennith Jones, Hollis Jones, Orville Jones, and Franklin Jones, three sisters: Laverne Wetzel, Mildred Mosier, Cletus Mae Coomer and a half sister: Maxine Spurgeon, and one grandson: Bret Hammond. She is survived by two sons: Terry Hammond (Virginia) of Pekin and Tommy Hammond of Pekin, four grandchildren: Christine Sowder (David), Jody Hammond (Summer), Clay Hammond and Ben Hammond, five great-grandchildren: Olivia, Ava, and Vance Sowder, Cooper and Lucy Hammond, as well as many bonus children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held Monday at 11AM at Weathers Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Steve Gorman officiating. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2-6PM and Monday from 10AM-time of service at the funeral home. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Lucille’s loving caregivers for the past two years: Brandy, Amy, Michelle, Denise and Rose.