92, of rural Avon
Martha Joanne Sweney, age 92, of rural Avon, Illinois, went to be with Jesus January 10, 2026.
She was born to Donald K. and Irma (Spangler) Sweney on May 9, 1933 at their home in rural Avon, Illinois.
She attended the Sweney one-room schoolhouse and later attended Cuba High School before graduating from Bushnell High School in 1951.
She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Western Illinois University in Art and Physical Education. She taught Art and Physical Education in the Bushnell- Prairie City school district for 29 years. Martha was a pioneer and was instrumental in the development of female sports teams coaching high school volleyball, basketball, track, and softball. Later in her career, she transitioned to teaching elementary school Physical Education. Even after retirement, she continued to serve as a substitute PE teacher until the age of 80.
She cared for her parents during their later years while serving her community as a Spoon River levee commissioner, Bushnell Arts Foundation member, and was privileged to serve as an Honor Flight Guardian, accompanying veterans to Washington DC to recognize their services and sacrifices.
An adventurer by nature, Martha had a multitude of interests. In addition to teaching, she skied with the Aquaclowns ski club and traveled extensively as a professional water skier with the Tommy Bartlett Ski Show. She raised llamas, a pet lion, and various other animals while engaged in other farm operations. Martha was a talented artist, poet, photographer, woodcarver, and silversmith. She loved nature and for over 30 years, traveled with a group of women (all aged 55 and over) embracing challenges such as zip-lining and mountain backpacking.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Irma (Spangler) Sweney, and her siblings Marjorie (LaVerne) Hartwig, William (Marilyn) Sweney, and Bruce Sweney, a Korean War POW MIA, as well as her nephew Bruce Hartwig.
She is survived by one sister Donna (Joel) Andrus of Indianola, Iowa along with 10 nieces and nephews: Sharon Hartwig; David Hartwig; Bill Sweney; Bambi (Doug) Penney and family; Jonathan (Trish) Sweney; Steven (Beth) Sweney; and Heather (Bob) Marshall and family. Julie (Harold) Nesbitt and family, Jayme (Paul) Wilken and family, and John (Jenny) Andrus and family.
Visitation will be at Checkrow Community Church on Friday, January 16, 2026 from 5 to 7 pm. Services will be Saturday January 17, in the same location with a brief visitation at 10 am and funeral services following at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Checkrow Community Church or Faith Bible Camp/Chapel Fund.
Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.
