Blanche Martin

South Roxana:

Blanche Martin, 88, passed away at 1:52pm on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in the emergency room at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 14, 1937, in Grandin, Missouri, the daughter of the late William and Goldie (Swafford) Huddleston. She married Everett L. Martin, Sr. on April 18, 1955, in Hernando, Mississippi, and he preceded her in death on August 5, 2020. Survivors include two daughters: Patty Wamhoff (Kenny) of Wood River, Janice and John Stephenson of Jonesboro, Arkansas, two sons and a daughters in law: John and Julie Martin of Nashville, Tennessee, Matt and Teri Martin of Little Rock, Arkansas, eight grandchildren and their spouses: Jeremy and Bethany Martin, Melissa Scott, Megan and John Edington, Emily Martin and Wade Fuqua, Josh and Meredith Martin, Katie Martin, Madison Wamhoff, Lindsay Wamhoff, thirteen great grandchildren: Bailee, Hayden, Emma, Leo, Ava, Lucy, Eli, Annie Jo, Adlee, Nora, Sophie, Parker, Aleah, Mark, Callan, four sisters, three brothers, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Blanche was employed at Lipe Bakery in Granite City prior to working as a cook at Wood River Hospital. The family attends Peace Church in Granite City.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a son: Everett Leo Martin, Jr. and four sisters.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9:30am until time of funeral services at 11am on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Jeremy Martin will officiate. Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.

Memorials are suggested to Free Will Baptist Missions.