Lois Martin Obituary

Lois Anne Martin, 94, Washington, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025.

Lois was born June 24, 1930, in Richmond Heights, to Richard and Louise (Dierkes) Hencke, Lois was baptized at St. Peter's Church in Kirkwood. She attended school across several states before graduating from Little Flower School in 1944 and Rosati-Kain High School in 1948. She later pursued her passion for care and nursing, earning her RN degree from Meramec Community College at the age of 47.

On Dec. 27, 1952, she married the love of her life, Tom Martin, at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church in Richmond Heights. Together, they built a family rooted in faith and love. Lois was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings Richard, Donald, Mary, and Lucy. She is survived by her beloved husband, Tom (95); her brother Paul Hencke (Jeannye); her seven children, Jane Finnegan, Virginia, Ellen Polete (Medford), Barb Heger (John), Ann Rost (Stephan), all of Missouri, Greig, Florida, Paul (Maura), Kansas, and David (Anita) Idaho; as well as 24 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.

Lois dedicated much of her life to nurturing her family before becoming a nurse. After moving to Washington, in 1989, she and Tom embraced the community. Lois volunteered with Mercy Hospital Auxiliary, the Franklin County Red Cross, and the Washington Historical Society. She was originally a member of St. John the Baptist parish in Villa Ridge and, most recently, was a faithful member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, where she sang in the choir and was a daily communicant. Her generosity extended to St. Francis Borgia where she volunteered at the Food Pantry.

Lois loved playing cards with friends ... a source of joy she always looked forward to. She also enjoyed the beach and loved her time spending winters in Naples, Florida. But most of all, she loved her family and hosting holiday gatherings, especially Christmas, where her warmth and hospitality shone.

A parish rosary will be recited at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, at Oltmann Funeral Home, Washington, followed immediately by the visitation from 4:15-7 p.m.

Visitation will resume at 9 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Washington. With a funeral Mass following at 10 a.m. at the church. Burial will follow in Ascension Cemetery, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Birthright, or Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital.

The Martin family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home, Washington.