Martha Whitney, age 84, of Quincy, died on November 7, 2025 in Blessing Hospital. She was born on March 21, 1941 in Quincy, IL the daughter of Richard Hervey and Virginia Adelaide (Tenk) Whitney.

Martha is survived by a sister Ruth Whitney and a brother in law: Richard Whitcomb. First cousin: John Flynn, and second cousins: Bridget Flynn, Libby Burnsbold, and James Flynn.

Throughout her life in Quincy, Martha was passionate about dogs and training them. She enjoyed showing her dogs in dog competitions. In addition to being a big supporter of the Quincy Kennel Club, she volunteered there as an obedience instructor for many years. A dog training ring was named after Martha for her dedication throughout the years. She was a big supporter of Quincy K-9 Connection, an organization that helps with the rescue of dogs and cats. In her last days, Martha was working to help Quincy K-9 Connection buy a new transport van.

Martha was employed at Coca-Cola in Quincy. She had a strong love of books and possessed a sizeable library that covered many different topics, including art and the Catholic religion. She was raised as Catholic, and later in life she became more diligent about learning more about her religion in addition to attending Mass regularly.

Martha’s strong interest in art led her to enjoy local art classes. She loved to use water colors when she painted. Her art work hangs on the walls of some of her friends and family. Loving trees, clouds, and all of nature, she always found beauty in all colors.

Mary Price was her longest friend and they were known as the “Golden Girls.” She visited Mary and Mary’s daughter, Dale Peters, often at the dog grooming shop to help and socialize for many years.

Patricia Creek and Greg Grawe were also very close friends for several years who helped and looked after Martha assisting her with daily life tasks. Martha made many friends at the Quincy Kennel Club including Julie Grawe, Jim Icenogle, Jan Liesen, and many others.

Martha had a long for children, not having any of her own she turned to her friends’ children. She played a special role in all of their lives at a young age and kept in contract with them.
Martha loved going out to dinner as well as get together and BBQs with her friends. She loved celebrating holidays with her family.

Martha was always willing to help the ones she loved as well as those she hardly knew.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, sisters: Jane Lanners and Joan Whitcomb and a brother in infancy.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM in St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment in Calvary Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday morning at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home from 9:30 until 10:30. Memorials may be made to Quincy K-9 Connection Animal Rescue. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.