Martha J. Bazzell (80) of Effingham

Martha J. Bazzell, 80, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2017, at Lakeland Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Effingham.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham is assisting the family. The family requests, memorials may be made in loving memory of Martha to Centenary United Methodist Church in Effingham or the Alzheimer’s Association.

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Martha was born on January 18, 1937, in Turon, KS, the daughter of Clarence S. and Jean (Loftin) Bazzell. Martha was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Effingham and the United Methodist Women. She started her working career as a bookkeeper for Shulman Brothers in Vandalia. Later in life, she worked in Decatur for a legal office and then Martha worked as a CNA around the area nursing homes. As she neared retirement, she worked as a greeter at Ryan’s in Effingham. Martha loved to sing along with gospel songs and spend time with family and close friends. Martha will be greatly missed.

Martha is survived by her sister, Nancy Bazzell of Effingham; sister-in-law, Ruth Bazzell of Norfolk, VA; nephews, Michael Bazzell of Chicago, Gregory Kyburz of St. Louis, MO, and Jeffrey (Kelly) Kyburz of Bel Air, MD; niece, Brenda Kean of Pacolet, SC; and 17 great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and her brother, Charles K. Bazzell.

The family would like to thank Dr. Alzahabi, Brookstone Estates, Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center, and Lincolnland Hospice for their tremendous care and the many prayers for Martha.