Hazel Irene Martin (79) of Newton

Mrs. Hazel Irene Martin, 79, of Newton, Illinois passed away at 2:20 AM - Saturday, July 22nd , 2023, at Arbor Rose of Robinson, Illinois.

The family will receive visitors 5:00 to 7:00 PM – Friday, July 28th, 2023, at Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. Private funeral services will be held, with burial in the Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Newton, Illinois. In loving memory of Hazel, memorials may be made to the Jasper County Boy’s and Girl’s Park or Arbor Rose Activity Fund. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left by clicking here.

Hazel was born May 24th, 1944, in Douglas, Arizona, the daughter of Chester and Lois (Jones) Kirby. She married William Leroy “Babe” Martin March 30th, 1963, in Newton, Illinois, and he preceded her in death on February 26, 2004. She was a member of the Central Christian Church in Newton. Hazel was very active in community affairs and touched the lives of many young people through collaboration with her husband through the boys’ and girls’ baseball/softball programs in Jasper County. She was also instrumental in Newton having a community center, with an accompanying “Hazel’s Kitchen.” She spent many hours working towards a better community for the young people of Jasper County. She will truly be missed by those who have benefited from the sacrifices she made. She was a loving wife, mother, and Nana.

Hazel is survived by her daughter Tami Martin of Silver Spring, Maryland; son Brad (Janet) Martin of Centreville, Maryland; a very special grandson Ryan Martin of Centreville, Maryland; sister Velma (Lee) Strawhun of Mt. Dora, Florida; and several nieces and nephews.

Hazel was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 40 years, “Babe” Martin, brother H.E. Kirby, sister-in-law Margaret (Pedro) Curtright, and brothers-in law Jack (Barb) Martin and Ed (Nadine) Martin.