It is with great sadness that the family of Martha Jane (Border) Baggett announces her passing, at 89, peacefully at Helia Healthcare of Salem with her family by her side on October 4, 2024.
Martha was born April 5, 1935, in Central City, the daughter of Olen F. Border Sr. and Grace (Phelps) Border. She married Benjamin M. Baggett Jr. on May 30, 1954, in Centralia. Benjamin precedes her in death.
Martha is also preceded in death by her brother, Olen “Butch” Border Jr., and sister, Lena (Border) Knight.
Martha is survived by her son; Steve Baggett and wife Carol of Salem, daughters; Gina (Baggett) Buck and husband Tom of Patoka, Debbie (Baggett) Carter and husband Terrell of St. Louis, Gayla (Baggett) Howard and husband Mark of Salem; sister Saundra Harrison and husband Rocky Sr. of Georgia; grandchildren, Matt, Erika, Darla, Amanda, Jenny, Josh, Jack and 12 great grandchildren.
Martha lived a full and vibrant life. She met the love of her life, Ben, in 1952 and were together for 58 years until Ben’s death. She adored her home and created a loving space for family to gather for birthdays and holidays. She enjoyed a good shopping spree and had an unmatched sweet tooth. Her family was truly blessed beyond measure by her sweetness, nurturing nature and unconditional love.
Martha’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her. Her kindness, warmth, and generosity will be greatly missed.
A funeral service will be held Friday, October 11, 2024, at 11:00 am at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home chapel, with Pastor Shannon Bopp officiating. Burial to follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Centralia. A visitation will be held Friday, October 11, 2024, from 10:00 am till the time of service at the Funeral Home for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evergreen Christian Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home at 310 N. Broadway/PO Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, is honored to be of service to Martha’s family, at this time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or Sutherland Funeral Homes’ Facebook Page.
