Martha Jane Steinbacher, 90, formerly of Sweet Home, passed away Saturday near Halfway, Oregon. She was born in Los Angeles, California to Fred D. and Hazel (Gentry) Lutes.

She was raised in Los Angeles, California. She married Edgar Lewis Steinbacher in 1943.

Martha 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. Martha was Linn County American Red Cross Representative and Chairman.

She was on the Archdiocese Historical Commission, Marriage and Family Life Board, and was the East Linn Museum Director for 20 years. She also was the author of three books, “In The Beginning,” “Yesterday’s Memories,” and “New Life, New Land.”

Martha received many awards during her life: 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.

Martha was a loving wife, mother, historian, author, volunteer, and friend.

Martha is survived by: her children, Kathren Steinbacher, Tony Steinbacher, Mary Ego, Anne Dennison, Joe Steinbacher, Mike Steinbacher, and Thomas Steinbacher; her 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 at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 1, 2012 at St. Helen’s Catholic Church in Sweet Home. Funeral service will follow at 12:00 noon Saturday, September 1, 2012. 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.

Arrangements are under the direction of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.