Ralph Martin

PRINCETON — Ralph C. Martin, 81, of Princeton passed away at 3:01 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2018, at his home in Princeton.

Born Dec. 22, 1936, in Bradford, the son of William and Hattie (Sullivan) Martin, he Janice Katkus July 19, 1970, in Rockford. She survives in Princeton.

He graduated from Tiskilwa High School. He was an operating engineer at Advanced Asphalt for over 30 years.

He was a member of the Moose and Elks Club and Mid Central Operating Engineers 649. He enjoyed vacationing in Mexico and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Also surviving are six children, Jeffery Martin of southern Illinois, Jacqueline (Vin) Tarquin of South Carolina, Jennifer (Michael) Hansel of Nashville, Tenn., Kelli (Rick) Chase Plotz of Geneva, Jim (Jennifer) Chase of Ohio, Ill., and Sheri (Randy) Chase-White of Arizona; 11 grandchildren, Jessica and Kyle Chase, Randi, Charles and Hunter White, Alexandra, Eric and Katie Plotz, and Julian, McKenzie and Liam Martin; one sister, Mildred Sidebottom; a special niece, Patty Hassler; and a special friend, Toby.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Christine Perry.

Private graveside services will be at Valley Memorial Park in Spring Valley, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to the Princeton Ambulance Service.

The Grant-Johnson Funeral Home in Princeton assisted the family. Online condolences may be left at www.grant-johnsonfh.com.