Martha J. Bantz

Martha Jane Bantz, 98, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away on June 22, 2025 at her residence. Born on December 16, 1926 in Kewanee, Illinois to Forrest McDowell and Marguerite Altine McDowell. She married Rollin Roger Bantz on November 7, 1964, in Galva, Illinois. He died on December 4, 2001. Also preceding her in death, were one stepson, Wesley Bantz; stepdaughter-in law, Rose Bantz; stepdaughter-in law Diane Bantz; and one step grandchild Steven Bantz.
Surviving is one daughter, Janet (and Dennis Glavin) Bantz Glavin of Peoria; one stepson, Everett (and Jane) Bantz of Ballwin, MO; one granddaughter, Anna (and Madison Fisher) Glavin of New York, NY; five step grandchildren, Lisa Woiwode of Manito, IL; Kenneth Bantz of Des Moines, IA; Brent (and Andrea) Bantz of Eureka, MO; Stacy (and Rory) King of Westminster, CO and Emily Napoli of Ballwin, MO. Her nieces, nephews, great and great-great-step grandchildren, and their families were also a great source of joy to her.
Martha, graduated from Galva High School in 1944, attended Cornell College, and graduated from Western Illinois University in 1949. She taught first grade and kindergarten in Illinois between 1949 and 1963 in Ottawa, Mendota and Springfield. She also taught Early Childhood Development at Illinois Central College for several years and enjoyed working at the preschool program at First Federated Church. She will be remembered for her love of teaching in early childhood education, reading, and playing the piano. She enjoyed creating activities, songs, games, and performances for children and adults alike. She had a listening ear for everyone she met.
Memorial donations may be made to the Martha J. Bantz Early Childhood Education Fund of the Community Foundation of Central Illinois (CFCI) as this is an important part of her commitment to child growth and development. Donation link: https://cfci.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=3310
Martha was a member of First United Methodist Church in Peoria and its J.O.Y. Class. Services will be held at 11 AM on Friday, June 27th at First United Methodist Church in Peoria. The Rev. Dr. Tim Ozment will officiate. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM at the church. Burial will follow in the Yates City Cemetery.
Cremation has been accorded and Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.