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Martha Lee Donath of Lincoln, IL, died at 4 p.m. on Monday, March 10, 2014 in St. John's Hospital in Springfield. She was born on October 12, 1946, in Brazil, IN, the daughter of Rev. and Mrs. Lester and Irene Wence. Martha graduated as the valedictorian of her high school class in Cullom, IL. She graduated summa cum laude with a degree in business from Eureka College. She worked in medical records for Mason County Hospital in Havana, IL, for several years and later worked for the State of Illinois in bookkeeping and accounting, both in Springfield and Lincoln.

Martha married Michael Donath on October 23, 1977 in the Manito United Methodist Church in a service performed by her father. Martha's husband Mike survives. Also surviving are her brother David Wence (Barbara) of Decatur, IL, brother-in-law Ben Donath, of Storm Lake, Iowa, sister-in-law Karen Donath of Normal, IL, nieces and nephews Alexis Donath of St. Paul, MN, Kim Wernsman (Adam) of Olatha, KS, Stephanie Murray (Jarrod) of Greenwood, IN, and Scott Wence (Laura) of Manhattan, KS. Nephews also include Dan Kline (Tracy) of Decatur, David Kline of Niantic, Steve Kline (Robin) of Decatur, and Mike Kline (Trena) of Bloomington, IL. Great nieces and nephews include Joseph Frans, David and Kaitlyn Wernsman, Travis and Khylee Dumlao, Jarrod and Journi Murray, Jessica, Tyler and Ethan Wence, Jade Kline, Ashtyn Kline, Brody and Evellyn Kline. Martha was preceded in death by her parents and her sister-in-law Tina Donath. Martha was a faithful and dedicated wife.

Martha served others in quiet and selfless ways, often behind the scenes. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Lincoln and especially enjoyed playing in the bell choir, volunteering in the church office, visiting shut ins and running errands and doing laundry for them. She and her husband volunteered in Christian Radio. She faithfully served others as a witness to Jesus Christ. In spite of a significant speech handicap, Martha remained cheerful and understanding when asked to repeat herself when others could not yet understand. She was a gifted organist and pianist.

In lieu of flowers, in recognition of Martha's love of children and music, memorial gifts are suggested to Chaddock School in Quincy, IL, or First United Methodist Church of Lincoln.

Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, 127 S. Logan Street, Lincoln, IL, is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be in the funeral home from 4:00-7:00pm on Thursday, March 13, 2014. The funeral will be conducted by the Rev. Michael Paulson at 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 14 at First United Methodist Church in Lincoln with burial immediately following at St. Mary's Cemetery, Lincoln.