Iris Martin

Iris Martin, 93, of Catlin, passed away at 4:10 PM on January 12, 2026 at Hawthorne Inn in Danville, IL.

Iris was born at the home of her grandmother, Olive Switzer, on June 14, 1932, the daughter of Edward and Goldie (Switzer) Collom in Eugene, IN. She married Gene Martin on January 27, 1961 at the Methodist Church parsonage in Catlin, IL. He preceded her in death on February 5, 2022.

She is survived by special friends Jean Shafer and Alinda Higgins.

Iris graduated from Cayuga High School in 1950. She attended business school and worked as an accountant for Pawley Lumber Company, Olin Mathieson Chemical Corporation in Covington, IN, and Bullock Garages INC in Danville, Il for over 40 years, retiring in 1992.

Iris and Gene became members of the Catlin United Methodist Church in 1996, where she kept the church decorated and assisted with church activities. She and Gene were devoted to restoring and protecting historical items saved from the devastating church fire in 1989. She was a life member of the Catlin Historical Society where they maintained the flower gardens for several years.

Iris and Gene had a love for animals which was shown through the many cats and dogs they had through the years. Their most recent friend was their faithful, loving dog, Lizzy.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the Catlin United Methodist Church, 106 W Vermilion Street, Catlin, Illinois, 61817. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:00 AM. Pastor Trevor Oetting will officiate. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin, IL. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834 is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial Contribution may be made in Iris’ memory to the Catlin Historical Society or to the Catlin United Methodist Church.

Please join Iris’ family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.