Born in Kahoka, Missouri to Harvey and Edna (Trent) Koontz, she married Junior Wesley Martin. He died in 1992. She was also preceded by her parents; one granddaughter; three grandsons and one great-grandson; three sisters, Irene Hartman, Leona Peterson, and Norma Jean Hartquist; two brothers, Robert and Raymond Koontz.
Surviving are her four children, Ronda Davis of Pekin, Barbara Wangler of Manito, Rachel Van Vooren of Bartonville, and Dennis (Cheryl) Davis of Pekin; ten grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and great-great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, Delbert Koontz of Bartonville and Carl Koontz of Peoria; one sister, Melba Koontz of Bushnell and many friends and acquaintances.
Nelda had worked as a home health caregiver, retiring in 1995. She enjoyed spending time with family, reading, sewing, gardening and the outdoors. Everyone adored her pies and would often request them. She lived by the motto, “Don’t sit and let life pass you by.”
Her graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. Pastor Brenden Williams will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be given to Zion Baptist Church, 1320 South 5th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554 or to OSF Hospice Home Endowment, OSF HealthCare Foundation, 124 SW Adams Street, Peoria, Illinois 61602 or to an animal rescue of the donor’s choice.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
