Marty Votaw

Martha Jean “Marty” Votaw went to be with the Lord on September 11, 2026, at the age of 98.

Born on March 26, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Marty lived a life marked by faith, service, creativity, and a deep devotion to her family. She graduated from Hannibal-LaGrange College with a degree in Fine Arts, where she was active in Theatre Arts and Cheerleading—interests that reflected the energy, enthusiasm, and creative spirit she carried throughout her life.

Her faith and her church were at the heart of who Marty was. She was deeply involved in her church throughout her life, serving faithfully for many years until her body could no longer continue She was an active member of the Women’s Missionary Union and served her church in many ways, including as a Sunday School superintendent, Sunday School teacher, and through planning and executing church events. She loved her church family and found great joy in serving others and being part of the life of her church.

Marty had a creative spark and an energy that were unmistakable. She especially enjoyed arranging flowers, where her creativity and love of beauty could shine. She also found joy in many of life’s simple pleasures. She loved to travel, especially to Disney World, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Above all, Marty treasured her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she especially cherished the time she spent with her ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Her love, encouragement, faith, and example became an important part of their lives and will continue through generations to come.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie (Mark) Bahr; her sons, Tim (Mary Jo) Votaw and David (Roxanne) Votaw; her grandchildren, Paul (Ashley) Votaw, Clare (Jordan) Kreitzman, John (Monica) Votaw, Luke Votaw, Dillon Votaw, Shannon (Tim Morrison) Votaw, Erin (Brendan) Simpkins, Ian Votaw, Will (Madyson Northcutt) Bahr, and Stephanie (Chuck) Hoffman; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Her family continued to grow through the next generation, and she is lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren: Aubrey, Emma, Daniel, Mina, Lorelei, Daisy, Conner, Sterling, Roguen, and Onyx. The love Marty gave to her family, and the joy she found in being surrounded by them, will remain forever in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William E. Votaw; her parents, David and Clara Risk; and family members J. Edwin (Dorothy) Risk, Shirley (Charles) Clark, Clare (George) Nelson, and Ellen (Omar) Herbst.

Visitation will be held on October 4, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, St. Peters, 837 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, Missouri 63376. A Celebration of Life  will follow at 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Marty will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, creative energy, and devotion to her church and family. She lived her life by serving others, embracing the people and experiences she loved, and bringing joy wherever she went. Her 98 years were filled with faith, family, laughter, service, and love—and the legacy she leaves behind will live on in all those who knew and loved her.