HALBERT, MARTHA JANE

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of our precious Mother, Martha Jane Halbert, on September 2, 2022. Born on June 2, 1937 in St. Louis, MO. to Effie Etta Herrmann, a Registered Nurse for 47 years, and Paul Herrmann Sr., an orchestra leader and retired watchmaker. Survived by Donald Halbert her husband of 56 years; son Doug and Lila Halbert, grandchildren Matt Halbert, Scott Halbert, Lauren Ayers, Julia Grandy, Blake Halbert, and Addie Halbert; daughter Holly and Mitch Morgan, grandchildren Cassie Kishpaugh, Spencer Morgan, Grant Morgan, Lexi Clarke and Maddy Morgan; daughter Summer Halbert who was her caregiver for many years; Nine beautiful great grandchildren; Brother Dr. Paul Herrmann Jr. She is predeceased by her still born baby Jean Halbert and brother Robert Herrmann, a Vietnam war veteran.

In grade school Martha, who was nicknamed Dee Dee, attended girl scouts, tap class and learned to play the piano. She graduated Affton High School in 1953 where she spent her years very busy playing basketball, volleyball, singing in chorus, organizing pep club and was inducted into the Honors Society. She then attended Southeast Missouri State University which led to opportunities working in Human Resources at Ralston Purina, The Lead Co.Titanium Division, and Honeywell. Later she attended Phoenix College taking medical courses to further her knowledge. She always wanted to be a teacher and became an ESL teaching assistant in the Washington Elementary School District. The children loved her and she loved them right back. This position was her pride and joy.

In 1965 she met Donald Halbert at a hospital visiting a mutual friend, they immediately started dating and were married in Chicago Ill. on July 19,1966. They moved to Arizona later that year and bought a small home in the Coronado Historic District of central phoenix where they raised their 3 children. They were a happy family and the home was filled with the aroma of home cooked meals and the sounds of mothers piano music. They explored every corner of the state, developed business ventures together, enjoyed dinner and dancing every friday night and family home evening each Monday night, visited St. Louis every Summer, each month there was a family barbecue and swimming with the grandkids, they planned and celebrated every special occasion in grand fashion and could be seen holding hands everywhere they went.

Martha joined The Church of Latter Day Saints in 1975 and has lovingly served in many positions including sunday school teacher and counselor in the presidency; and as counselor in Relief Society. It is here she found her love of genealogy, she learned everything she could on computers to search and map our ancestors and their history. She attended Cousins Club in Sullivan, MO. every year and acted as Historian for many of those years. Through the church she sang in the choir and performed musicals, taught lessons and shared her testimony with others. Most importantly she raised her children to be a child of God.

A special daughter, loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother and great grandmother. She saved and attended every school achievement, award or event, planned countless birthday parties with themes, decorations and so much love, volunteered in her local community and school associations, an extremely accomplished seamstress she could be found staying up late making elaborate baton costumes by hand, her children and grandchildrens dresses, outfits for special occasions and blessing gowns for each of them. Her crafts, handmade dolls, holiday and home decorations were emaculate.

Our Mother was a sweet, beautiful soul with a warm heart, caring and kind, a lady of good character. She prayed for the wellbeing of others, many times for complete strangers. What a blessing she was to all those that knew her. She will be greatly missed but is loved, cherished and honored every single day by many. She is now a shining light in her Heavenly Fathers new calling.

September 9, 2022 Martha Halberts grave will be dedicated by son Doug Halbert, a celebration of life will be held privately that evening.

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