Marti was raised in Girard, Illinois. After high school graduation, she went to Hannibal-LaGrange College, Hannibal, MO and received an Associate in Secretarial Science degree. She then moved to Springfield, IL where she worked for Illinois Baptist State Association as secretary to the Director of Church Development and the Executive Director.

In 1981, she met Larry, married and then moved to Vandalia. She became part-time secretary at First Baptist and then full-time. While working, she took on the financial responsibilities of the church. She continues to take care of the financial side of Unity.

Marti enjoys reading (a lot) and counted cross stitch. She plays the keyboard for services at Unity also.

Larry and Marti enjoy going to Southern gospel concerts and eating out. Marti has two step-daughters & sons-in-law, two adult grandchildren.