Evelyn “Evie” Ruth Hofer Martin passed away on November 21, 2018 at Heritage Health in Hoopeston, Illinois. She was born on January 4, 1928 to Andrew and Agnes (Kelly) Hofer on a farm near Chalmers, Indiana. On June 19, 1949, she married Richard “Dick” Martin, her husband of almost 68 years. He preceded her in death on May 6, 2017.
Evelyn is survived by her four children: Linda Martin of Hoopeston, IL, Carol Martin (Shari Grote) of Minneapolis, MN, Donna Martin (Sarah Reckmeyer) of Ottawa, IL, and David Martin (Brenda Villa) of Cincinnati, OH; two grandsons: Sean (Bianca) Danner of Madison, WI and Scot (Jen) Danner of Danville, IL; and one great-granddaughter, Madison Danner.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Zelma Klene and husband James Klene; one brother, Rev. Andrew Hofer and wife Charlotte “Chi” Hofer; and one sister in infancy, Dorothy.
Evelyn attended East Lynn Grade and High Schools, graduating in 1945. She remained loyal to East Lynn green and white her entire life. Upon graduation from high school, she worked at FMC until she was married. Evie and Dick partnered closely, raising 4 children and running operations at Maple View Farm. Later, she shared her gift of hospitality as the local Welcome Wagon lady, as receptionist at the Hoopeston Chronicle, and as a Meals on Wheels volunteer. In her final years, Evie enjoyed making new friends and reconnecting with old ones at Autumn Fields and Heritage Health.
Evelyn was a member of First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, where she served as an elder, taught Sunday School, and sang in the choir. She kept her love of music alive playing piano and singing throughout her life. She was also a member of the Sweet Corners Square Dance Club, Owl Club, and was a past Worthy Grand Matron of Eastern Star.
A celebration of Evelyn’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 1, 2018, at First Presbyterian Church in Hoopeston, Illinois with Rev. Wade Meranda and Rev. Ann Schwartz officiating. Visitation will be at the church two hours prior to the service. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home. The family would appreciate memorial gifts be given to First Presbyterian Church, Hoopeston Public Library, or Iroquois Memorial Hospice.
Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Evelyn’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.
