Alice Elizabeth Martz's Obituary
Forever in Our Hearts, Remembering Alice Martz
Alice Elizabeth Martz, age 83, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, November 8th. She was born July 9th, 1942, in Cook County, Illinois, the daughter of the late Patricia and Paul Rohe.
Alice was preceded in death by her mother, father, and brother, David Rohe. She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, William F. “Bill” Martz; daughters Deborah Arnaugh and Rachel Lefebvre; grandchildren Dawn Gorton, Iesenia Matis, Stephen Cepek, Madison Cepek, and Stacey Ortiz; eleven great-grandchildren; and her beloved friend Sue Barrett.
Alice lived most of her early life in Blue Island, Illinois. She later attended what is now the University of Wisconsin–Stout, where she completed two years of college before returning home to begin her career with the Shell Organization.
Bill was no stranger to Alice—having gone to school together—but their relationship truly blossomed after Bill returned from military service. They were married on April 27th, 1963, in a quaint ceremony surrounded by family and friends. Bill and Alice fondly described their newlywed years as filled with passion and many nights out on the town. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Deborah, in 1966, followed by their second daughter, Rachel, in 1968. All three Martz women shared July birthdays.
The family eventually settled in Orland Park, Illinois, where life was centered around family and community. Summers were spent hosting barbecues, coaching softball and baseball leagues, and supporting the women’s traveling team. Alice served as Chairman of the Orland Park Girl Scouts, led her own troop, and took great pride in sewing and designing her daughters’ costumes and clothing. Later, she began a long and fulfilling career with Hallmark, where she managed multiple store locations.
Alice became a grandmother in the late 1980s—a role she cherished deeply. She was a devoted and loving grandmother who shared her warmth, wisdom, and kindness with each of her grandchildren, leaving a lasting imprint on their lives.
After retiring from her 25-year career with Hallmark, Alice and Bill moved to Clearwater, Florida, where they made their home at Bay Aristocrat Village. True to form, they loved to host and quickly became involved in many social clubs. Alice took special joy in organizing the community library, as reading was one of her greatest passions.
Together, Bill and Alice built a life filled with adoration, love, and adventure. They loved to travel—both near and far—often taking road trips across the United States with their young family. Their shared love of travel truly began on their 25th wedding anniversary, when they took their first cruise together. From then on, they continued exploring the world side by side, meeting lifelong friends along the way. Alice loved planning the next trip, and Bill loved nothing more than making her happy.
In their 62 years together, there was never a night Bill missed giving Alice a goodnight kiss, never a day he failed to express his devotion, and there will never be a moment he does not long for her. Their bond—rooted in respect, trust, and unconditional love—will transcend this life and live on forever.
“As the grief hangs heavy, remember this: the greater someone has loved in their lifetime, the more broken are the hearts they leave behind.”
By request, no services will be held.
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