Karen Michelle (Eftink) Martin

Karen Michelle (Eftink) Martin, 57, of Advance, Missouri, passed away on May 18, 2026, at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Karen was born on January 27, 1969, to Charles and Ina (Horman) Eftink. She was a high school graduate of Leopold High School, class of 1987.  Karen worked for over 30 years and retired from the State of Missouri Probation and Parole office. After retirement, she took a part time job working at Food Giant in Advance.

On October 2, 1993, Karen Eftink and Ronnie Martin were united in marriage at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Together, Karen and Ronnie shared nearly 33 years of marriage and raised two wonderful daughters, Michaela and Megan. For more than 30 years, they faithfully attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Advance.

Karen enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life including baking, crafting, planting flowers, and quilting. She always made sure those she loved were cared for, never letting anyone leave hungry and continually putting the needs of others before her own. Her caring spirit continued as she worked alongside her husband and brother at local auctions operating the food stand. Karen also dedicated several years as a 4-H volunteer in Stoddard County and faithfully attended Camp Renewal for many years.

Karen greatly enjoyed watching Hallmark Channel movies and had a special love for chickens. Above all else, family meant everything to her. She cherished watching her daughters succeed in life, sharing her years with her beloved husband, and spending precious time with her nieces, great-nieces, and nephews.

Karen is survived by her parents: Charles and Ina Eftink; husband Ronnie Martin; daughters: Michaela and Megan Martin; brother: Anthony Eftink.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Pendergrass Funeral Home. Parish prayers at 4:30, visitation to follow from 5:00 to 8:00 pm.

Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 10:00 am, at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Glennon, officiated by Fr. Glen Eftink. Burial will follow at St. Anthony Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Anthony Eftink, Tony VanGennip, Larry Blattell, Jerry Neal, Lucas Wilkinson, Eric Martin and Ed Rippee.

In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or St. Anthony’s Cemetery Fund.