Sally Jean (Akos) Martin, age 83, of Centerville, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, following a brief illness.

Sally was born on August 29, 1943, in Springfield, Ohio, to Paul and Esther (Lubbers) Akos. She graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1961 and went on to build a life centered on her greatest loves: her family and her Catholic faith.

For 63 wonderful years, Sally shared a loving marriage with her beloved husband, John “Skip” Martin. Together, they created a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. As a devoted stay-at-home mother, Sally poured her heart into raising her four sons, making their home a place of warmth, comfort, and often, something delicious cooking in the kitchen.

In her later years, Sally enjoyed listening to the many escapades of her sons, and learning about things she never knew, or maybe did not want to know.

Sally and Skip shared a love of adventure and enjoyed traveling together throughout their years of marriage. Their travels included memorable trips to Hawaii and an Alaskan cruise, while family vacations to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, remained among their most treasured memories.

Sally’s Catholic faith was the foundation of her life and a guiding light in all she did. Wherever she and Skip made their home, they became active and devoted members of their parish community. Sally generously shared her time and talents as a lector, Eucharistic minister, cantor, and choir member. At St. Francis Cabrini Parish, in San Jose California, she volunteered and worked in the parish school, where she especially enjoyed leading the children’s choir. Through her faithful service, Sally touched countless lives and helped nurture the faith of others.

One of Sally’s greatest gifts was her ability to make everyone feel welcome and loved. She never met a stranger and greeted others with genuine warmth and kindness. Her infectious smile, heartfelt laughter, and generous spirit brightened every room she entered. To know Sally was to experience her joyful nature and the love she so freely gave to others.

Above all, Sally treasured her family. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, proud grandmother, and adoring great-grandmother. Her family was the heart of her life, and the memories they shared will remain a lasting source of comfort and joy.

Sally is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, John “Skip” Martin; and her sons, Scott (Suzanne) of Woodbury, Minnesota, and their children, Haley and Patrick; Paul (Kelly) of San Jose, California, and their children, Matthew and Jayson; Joe of Houston, Texas, and his children, Joey and Blake; and Jim of Sammamish, Washington, and his children, Derek and Alex. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Max, Maddie, and Zoe; her sisters, Kathleen Brooks and Sharon Hennig; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Matthew, and her sisters, Joann and Mary Beth.

A memorial service celebrating Sally’s life will be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the WESTBROCK & DANIEL FUNERAL HOME- KETTERING, 5980 Bigger Rd, Kettering, Ohio 45440.

A funeral Mass will be held on Monday, October 26, 2026, at Incarnation Church, 55 Williamsburg Lane, Dayton, Ohio 45459, with Father Brian Phelps officiating.

Sally will be interred at St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Springfield, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Sally’s memory may make memorial contributions to Ohio Hospice of Dayton or Our Lady of Light, Incarnation Campus.

Sally lived her life as a beautiful expression of faith, family, and love. Though her family will deeply miss her joyful laughter, welcoming smile, and generous heart, they find comfort in knowing that the faith that guided her throughout her life has now carried her home. Her legacy will live on in the family she cherished, the countless lives she touched, and the example of love, kindness, and faithful service she leaves behind.