Orpha, age 72, of Chillicothe, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2025 at her home.

Orpha was born on July 9, 1952 in Chicago, IL to Keith and Mona (Burton) Brown. She married Michael Martin on June 7, 1980 in Argyle Lake State Park in Macomb, IL. He preceded her in death on June 26, 2009. Also preceding her in death are her parents; her brother, Roger Brown and her sister, Loretta Brown. 

Surviving are her sons, Jon (Rachel) Martin of Washburn, IL and Casey Martin of Chillicothe, IL; her stepchildren, of Jamey (Christy) Martin of Naperville, IL and Jennifer “Krissy” Schneider of Pheonix, AZ; her grandchildren, Anna, Blaise, Zac, Jared, Joshua, Shelby, Sierra, Tabitha, Gracie and Noah; her great-grandson, Mason; her siblings, Sylvia (Rick) Crist of Bountiful, UT, John (Mary) Brown of Las Vegas, NV, Michael (Linda) Brown of Bountiful, UT and Jeannette Sullivan of Pheonix, AZ; and many nieces and nephews.

Orpha was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and was very dedicated to her family. While her boys were young and active in Boy Scouts of America, she was also very active, often serving as a troop leader and assisting with leader trainings. Orpha also volunteered at the Arc Nursing Home in Chillicothe and was active with target shooting as a member of the Women in the Outdoors.

A visitation and service was held on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Weber-Hurd Funeral Home in Chillicothe. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services and she will be laid to rest at a later date alongside her husband at Stronghurst Cemetery. Memorials in her name may be made to the ARK Animal Shelter in Lacon, IL.