It is with great sadness the family of Martha (Marty) Rose Renkes shares the news of her passing, on Thursday, May 16, 2024, at her home on Pine Island, in St. James City, FL, surrounded by her family.
Martha was born on June 2, 1946, in Rock Island, IL, to Mart and Emma Rose (Imel) Wilson. Following her graduation from Rock Island High School, she worked as a Telecommunicator with the Illinois State Police at their Rock Island, and later, East Moline, IL, headquarters. She retired from the ISP in 1999 after 29 years of dedicated service.
This July, Martha and Phil would have been retired for 25 years. Following their retirement, Martha and Phil traveled the world. They made five trips exploring Alaska via motorhome. They visited both American coasts, Hawaii, and much of our great Country. Overseas, their adventures took them to Africa, Italy, Germany, and Holland, the Caribbean, and on European river cruises.
In 2008, they purchased their St. James City retirement home. Martha enjoyed painting; many of those beautiful paintings decorate their home.
Martha is survived by her husband, Philip; daughters, Angela (Robert) Hamilton of Augusta, GA, and Sarah Renkes of Chicago, IL; sons, Terry Ende of Morrison, IL, and Michael Renkes of O’Fallon, IL.
Martha will be missed by her grandchildren, Jonathon (Tiffany) Hamilton, Matthew (Kate) Hamilton, and Ryan Hamilton; great-grandchild Octavia Rose Taylor; sister, Sheila (Scott) Sheer of Rock Island.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mart and Emma Rose Wilson; two brothers.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 20, 2024, followed by a Funeral at 11:00, at the Pine Island Community Church in St. James City, FL, with Pastor Michelle Browne officiating. One of Martha’s favorite songs, “The Rose” will be performed by Ed Lippencott. The Service will be available online at www.pineislandchurch.com; it also will be archived. Lunch will follow at the church.
A second Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison, IL, followed by an 11:30 a.m. grave-side Service at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison.
Cremation rites have been performed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pine Island Community Church, in St. James City, FL.