Marta S. Meers

Marta Suzanne Meers of Fairmount, Illinois, was called home by Jesus surrounded by family in her home on October 2, 2020, at the age of 77.

Marta, affectionately known as "Tootie", was driven by a zest for life and a love of family and friends. A warm woman whose gentle touch and kind words put at ease strangers and family alike, Marta had an iron will, keen intellect, and a genuine curiosity for the world that propelled her beyond her beginnings in rural Illinois to the upper rungs of corporate America.

Born on July 6, 1943 in Hoopeston, Illinois, to Dorothy "Dottie" Lloyd-Miller and Donald "Don" L. Miller, Marta was a precocious child with an adventurous streak that she inherited from her mother. With the support of her husband, she graduated magna cum laude from Lakeview College of Nursing in 1976. She went on to become a registered nurse, director of nursing, and administrator with Americana Health Care Facilities and ManorCare. In 1990, she left Illinois for Florida to oversee ManorCares skilled nursing and assisted living operations as Regional Director of Operations in Florida and Georgia, a position she held until the time of her retirement in 1998. She returned to Illinois in 1999 to be closer to family.

Marta married the love of her life, James "Jim" Meers, on February 24, 1967. They spent their time raising their three children, spoiling their many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and enjoying countless walks and bike rides together.

An enthusiastic cruciverbalist and avid news consumer, Marta was always willing to lend an empathetic ear and wise words of advice. Like her mother, she was a gifted cook and hostess who, along with her sister and best friend, Chris, filled her home with the scent of pies, roasts, and breads during family holidays. She was also an active member of Catlin Church of Christ and a staunch Democrat who rarely shied away from a political debate. Martas love and warmth will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years; son, Shane (Tammy) Hopper; daughters: Jane Ferber and Lea Anne (George) Barnes; nine grandchildren: Travis (Sophie) Ferber, Jan-Eike (Hele) Thomssen, Tyler (Whitney) Ferber, Josh (Tyler) Alexander, Herald (Yvette) Barnes, Mackenzie (Thomas) Gannon, Hillary Lyons (Zach Taylor), Christa (Tanner) Sawka, and Patricia Rhoades; 15 great-grandchildren with three on the way; sister, Chris (Carl) Robertson; brother, Lloyd Miller; special sisters-in-law: Brenda Miller, Rose Miller, Rita Blue, and Sharon (Tom) Fletcher; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald K. "Butch" Miller; in-laws, Charles "Chuck" and Wilma Meers; brother-in-law, Lyle Blue; granddaughter, Megan Barnes; and nephew, Gerod Wayne "G.W." Miller.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Officiating will be Martas nephew, Pastor Brent Miller. She will be laid to rest at Allhands Cemetery in Danville, Illinois. Visitation will be held just prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

Services Visitation Tuesday October 6, 2020 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834 Funeral Service Tuesday October 6, 2020 12:00 PM Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Il 61834