Barbara Ann Martin

Mrs. Barbara Ann Martin, passed away on Saturday, November 28, 2020 in Bradenton, FL at the age of 81.

Barbara is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Shawn Macauley of Grand Rapids, MI, their children Emily, Evan, Ethan, and Eli Macauley and Erin (Patrick) Smith of Melbourne, FL and their daughter Elizabeth; her son and daughter-in-law, John William (Billy) and Susan Martin of Mooresville, NC, their children Andrew and Alissa Martin; and her brother, William Richard (Bill) Strunk of Nashville, TN.

Barbara was born on March 2, 1939, in Peoria, IL to Elmer Richard Strunk and Ola Eudoris Lower of Morton, IL.  She graduated from Morton Township High School in Morton, IL in 1959 and from the University of Illinois in Champagne/Urbana, IL with a B.A in home economics.  While at the University of Illinois, Barbara was an active member of the 4-H House sorority.

Barbara met John Landon Martin on a blind date in November 1962 in Morton, IL. John and Barbara were married on December 29, 1963 at First United Methodist Church, Morton, IL. They moved to Sanford, FL for their honeymoon where Barbara worked as a Home Economics Agent. Their daughter, Beth Lynn, was born on December 9, 1965, in Sanford, FL. The family moved to DeLand, FL in 1968 where their son, John William (Billy), was born on June 8, 1969. In 1972, the family moved to Port St. Lucie, FL. While in Port St. Lucie, Barbara earned her Montessori teaching certification from a student of Maria Montessori.  She founded Sun Grove Montessori School in Ft. Pierce, FL, in 1978 which is still open and serving students from infants through 8th grade 40+ years later. Barbara was a long time 4-H Leader and both Beth and Billy grew up active in 4-H.  Barbara’s final move was to Bradenton, FL in 1988, when John, a USDA Inspector, was assigned to Tropicana. Barbara worked as an Administrative Assistant to Pastor W. Scott Weichl at Braden River United Methodist Church and as a substitute Montessori teacher. After John retired in 1998, they spent their time helping family, gardening outside, watching Tampa Bay Rays baseball games, and enjoying life.  In 2018 they went on their dream cruise through the Panama Canal.

Barbara lived for others.  She was a servant leader, a helper, and an encourager. She loved working with little children and taught Kindergarten Sunday School classes for many years. Barbara routinely donated clothes and food to local charities and organized assistance when needed. She was well known for delivering Christmas cookies, Easter baskets, and meals when needed. She was present after the birth of each grandchild and was overjoyed at meeting her first great-granddaughter Elizabeth Ann in October.  Barbara was a fervent card-sender sending cards to everyone for birthdays, anniversaries, and/or holidays, always with a personalized note, and frequently included stickers, and a stick of gum for the grandchildren. She enjoyed being outdoors and working in the yard. Barbara was active in all activities up until her hospitalization.

Most importantly, Barbara deeply loved her husband, John, to whom she was married for 56 years, her children Beth and Billy, her seven grandchildren, Andrew, Alissa, Erin, Emily, Evan, Ethan, and Eli, and her new great granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Smith, who shares her middle name.  Barbara left this earth on her terms following a short hospitalization. She will be greatly missed.

Per Barbara’s wishes, her body will be cremated. A joint interment with her husband, John, will be held at the National Cemetery in Sarasota, FL is scheduled for Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at 10:30am, December 29th on what would have been their 57th anniversary. John passed away on January 21, 2020 but his burial was postponed due to the pandemic. Rev. W. Scott Weichl, Chaplain, LTC (Ret.) US Army, and former pastor of Braden River UMC will officiate the joint ceremony. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Barbara and John's lives.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the charity of your choice in Barbara’s name. Please share condolences, photos, and memories of Barbara below. We encourage everyone to write about and post photos of Barbara as cherished memories for her children, grandchildren, great-grandchild, and friends.

The family would like to thank Linda & Mark Rehder for their help before and after  Barbara’s death as well as all of the wonderful people at Tidewell Hospice in Lakewood Ranch, FL.

Thank you also to everyone else who has shared flowers, food, cards, and phone calls. Your thoughts, love, and care are all greatly appreciated.