Martha C. “Marty” Branch

Mrs. Martha C. “Marty” Branch, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at 12:50 p.m. Friday, September 25, 2015 at Unity Point Methodist Hospital in Peoria, Illinois

She was born October 8, 1940 in Galesburg to Floyd and Violet Johnson Gustafson. She married James Roche in 1960. She later married Gary “Turp” Branch August 25, 1972 in Galesburg. He preceded her in death November 18, 2000.

Surviving is a son, Jeff (and Jennifer) Roche of Morton, Illinois; a daughter, Chris (and Jim) McNally of Burr Ridge, Illinois; two step sons, Jeff (and Jamie) Petersen of West Point, Iowa and Brad (and Jackie) Petersen of McCormick, South Carolina; two sisters, Ruth Atwood of South Beloit, Illinois and Mary (and Ron) Spring of Galesburg; two step sisters, Myrna (and Merritt) Johnson of Wataga, Illinois and Maureen (and Larry) Braden of Mapleton, Illinois; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; and her special friend, Raymond Pheiffer of Galesburg. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter-in-law, Kim Peterson; her step mother, Maxine Essex Gustafson; a step brother, Sonny Essex; and a brother-in-law, Don Atwood.

Marty worked in production control for Butler Manufacturing Company in Galesburg for 42 years and retired December 1, 2002. She attended a one room schoolhouse in Appleton, Illinois through 6^th grade. She later graduated from Knoxville High School in 1958. She also attended Brown’s Business College in Galesburg. She enjoyed the outdoors, doing yard work, and golfing.

Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of her life will be 2 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Rev. Doug Johnson will officiate. Visitation will be 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2015 at the chapel. Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.