Betty Martell

CARBONDALE - Betty Martell, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by family.

Born on April 6, 1942, in Anna, Illinois, Betty was the sixth of twelve children born to Roscoe David Craft and Florence Juanita Craft (née Adams). Her childhood was spent on a farm outside Anna.

Betty was 16 years old when she, along with her siblings, tragically lost their beloved mother, Florence, to illness. The family was deeply affected by this profound loss, prompting Betty to leave home shortly thereafter. She relocated to Anna, where she lived with relatives and pursued her high school education while contributing to the family's restaurant through her work as a waitress.

Following her graduation from high school, Betty briefly attended university before marrying John Martell of Murphysboro, Illinois, and becoming a devoted stay-at-home mother, raising two children in Cobden, Illinois.

Betty later embarked on a career with the US Postal Service, and ultimately served as Postmaster to the community of Belle Rive, Illinois, until her retirement in 2011.

Beyond her professional life, Betty relished the company of a broad circle of friends and family. She found joy in pursuits such as gardening and quilting, and cherished time spent with her children and granddaughter.

Betty is survived by her daughter Beth; son-in-law Billy Joe "Buck" Smith; son Scott, daughter-in-law Lisa, and granddaughter Gabrielle; along with sisters Doris, Joyce, Nita, Margaret, and Ruth; and brothers Tom and Steve. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers Mark, David, and Ross; and her sister Bertha.

A Celebration of Betty's Life will be held at a date to be announced later.

The Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale has assisted the family with arrangements. To share a story or memory of Betty, please visit www.meredithfh.com.