Martha “Marti” (Whipple) Neal

Martha “Marti” (Whipple) Neal, in childhood Rita Louise Whipple, 78, passed away June 28, 2022, after a battle with cancer. She was at home, supported by family and friends.

Marti was born in 1944 and grew up in Salem. After graduating from Indiana University, she lived in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Salem before she and wife, Donna Egbert, moved to Floyds Knobs. In all of her communities, she is remembered as a fierce and loving friend, leader, partner, mother, grandmother, and daughter you could count on to contribute her knowledge, vision, love, energy, and enthusiasm to community building and positive change. She did that professionally, in schools, politics, and as an addiction counselor, and she did it personally through volunteer work, at church and through music.

Most recently she served St. Paul’s Episcopal Church New Albany on its Vestry, in the choir, and on the Worship Committee, as well as a committed member of Voices of Kentuckiana for many years.

Survivors include wife, Donna S. Egbert; children, Sarah S. (Brent) Neal-Estes  and David W. (Cheryl) Neal; grandchildren, Aidan Neal, Annaliese Neal, Adelyn Neal, Maxwell Estes, and Julian Estes; former husband, Thomas R. Neal; and many “chosen children,” including Melissa Roberts, Elizabeth Roberts, Emily Roberts, and Bobby Ripberger.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Louise Elliott and Ebert Whipple; life partner, Kyrla J. Lowe; cousin, Marcia Gwaltney; and lifelong friend, Ginger Morris.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church (1015 East Main Street, New Albany) and a celebration of life will be held directly afterwards in the Parish House.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Voices of Kentuckiana (voicesky.org) or St. Paul's Episcopal Church, New Albany (stpaulna.org).

In memory of Marti’s dedication to increasing the good for all, please give someone you love a hug and find any way (big or small) to give back to your community.