Martha Jane Steinbacher, 90, formerly of Sweet Home, died Aug. 25, 2012 near Halfway.
She was born in Los Angeles, Calif. to Fred D. and Hazel (Gentry) Lutes.
She was raised in Los Angeles. She married Edgar Lewis Steinbacher in 1943.
Mrs. Steinbacher was a member of the Archdiocese Council of Catholic Women for 30 years and was president twice. She was a member of the Oregon Catholic Historical Society for 21 years and retired from the volunteer senior program. She was Linn County American Red Cross representative-chairman, was on the Archdiocese Historical Commission, on the Marriage and Family Life board and was the East Linn Museum director for 20 years.
She also was the author of three history books, “In The Beginning,” “Yesterday’s Memories” and “New Life, New Land.”
Awards that Mrs. Steinbacher received during her life included the Catholic Women of Achievements, Oregon Merit Mother, Sweet Home Woman of the Year, Sweet Home Distinguished Service Award, International Family of the Year Award and Who’s Who of American Women.
She was a loving wife, mother, historian, author, volunteer and friend.
Mrs. Steinbacher is survived by her children, Tony Steinbacher, Mary Ego, Anne Dennison, Joe Steinbacher, Mike Steinbacher, and Thomas Steinbacher; brother, Don Lutes; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Lewis “Bud” Steinbacher; daughter Kathren Steinbacher; and brother Jack Lutes.
Viewing and Rosary will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Sweet Home. A funeral service will follow at noon. Final burial will be at Gilliland Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the East Linn Museum or American Red Cross.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.