Obituary of Martha Sabo

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, Martha Sabo. Martha (90), passed away peacefully while under the extraordinary care of hospital and hospice staff at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, surrounded by the love of her children. Martha was born October 13, 1934 in Louisville, Georgia to William McNeely and Latisha (Funderburg) McNeely. A true Georgia Peach, Martha was known for her sweet southern accent, stunning smile, and generous hospitality. On May 24, 1952, she married Robert E. Sabo Sr. while he was serving at Warner Robins Airforce base. Upon finishing his seminary school, Bob and Martha began their ministry in the United Methodist Church and eventually moved to Illinois. Martha served the church faithfully alongside Robert until his passing. Her strong, unshakable faith in God provided her guidance in her daily life. Her contributions to the church community included attending women’s Bible study, providing casseroles, attending church potlucks, teaching vacation Bible school, singing in the church choir, working at the food bank, and volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Martha was always there to give anyone words of encouragement or a gentle smile, accompanying Robert on hospital or home visits at any time necessary to offer love and prayers. She took great pride working in hospitals, assisting doctors in the labor and delivery unit even during the delivery of two of her grandchildren. Doctors valued Martha for her compassion and natural instincts to help things run smoothly. A true steward, her family enjoyed Martha’s ability to maintain the household keeping her children’s lives running smooth, whether it be a hot meal at dinner time, athletic uniforms cleaned and ready for game day, or simple words of encouragement. She was truly the strength, grace, and rock that her family depended on daily. Martha had a great sense of humor and resiliency that all came to admire and emulate. Most endearingly, Martha loved her sports and could rival anyone in a game of trivia regarding college sport teams. Martha will be greatly missed here on earth, but her spirit will continue to light and guide the way for those remaining to celebrate her life. We love you, mom!! Go Georgia Tech!!! Martha is survived by her son Robert E. (Barb) Sabo, Jr of Moscow Mills, MO; 4 daughters Donna Smith of Bloomington, IL, Tammy (Todd) Popham of Crescent City, IL, Teresa (Luis) Alvarez of London, England, Michelle (Jake) Gregory of Brookfield, WI; 11 grandchildren Jennifer Logsdon, Jamie Sabo, Latrisha McGehee, Sheena Kunz, Amie Watanaarepornchai, Alexandria Alvarez, Daniel Alvarez, Rodney Popham, Abigail Alvarez, Elena Gregory, Danielle Gregory; 12 great grandchildren; 1 brother Alec McNeely of Atlanta, GA, 2 sisters Billie (James) Farrer of Chattanooga, TN and Hazel ( Ronnie) Horseman of Augusta, GA; many loving nieces and nephews. Martha was proceeded in death by her parents; brothers William, Frank, Calvin, Talmadge; sisters Harriet, Juanita, Louise; 3 grandchildren Jake Gregory, MarthaAnn Gregory, Ellen Melinda Odeh; and 1 great grandchild Elizabeth Butler. Martha was also proceeded by her loving husband, Robert E. Sabo Sr. They were married for 64 wonderful years. Funeral services will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025 at 3:30 pm at the Carlinville United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Mausoleum of Valor at Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery in Carlinville. Friends may call from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at the church. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.