Mary E. Martin

Mary E. (Elpers) Martin, age 87, of Poseyville, went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, August 30, 2015 at Deaconess Hospital Main Campus. Mary was born January 5, 1928 in Vanderburgh County, IN to the late Herman and Emma (Tenbarge) Elpers. After raising her seven children, she worked at Deaconess Hospital for 13 years and later in the school cafeteria at St. Wendel School. Mary, being a woman of strong faith, was a member of St. Wendel Catholic Church and VFW Post #6576 Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as commander. Being the oldest of twelve children, Mary never backed down from working hard. She loved working the soil, whether it be planting a bountiful garden, growing her flowers or helping her husband on the farm. Mary loved being a farmer’s wife. It gave her great satisfaction to cook and bake, especially pies, kuchens and fried chicken. Her cookie jar was rarely empty. Mary also knew how to have fun. Traveling, playing cards and dancing with her husband gave her great joy in her life. She always looked forward to going out to eat breakfast, especially Monday mornings with her siblings. Her quilts, made with love, will be forever cherished. Surviving Mary are her husband of 66 years, Francis J. Martin; two daughters, Mary Alice (Bill) Pigman of St. Wendel and Ann (Tim) Bitter of Evansville; three sons, Michael (Rita) Martin of St. Wendel, Paul Martin of Evansville and Jim (Denise) Martin of Owensboro, KY; a daughter-in-law, Janell Martin of Ligonier, IN; seven sisters, Rita Hipp of Evansville, Allene (Joe) Hisch of Poseyville, Martina Angermeier of Evansville, Rose Ann (Gilbert) Adler of Haubstadt, Hilda (Francis) Spahn of Evansville, Jane (Keith) Ward of Chandler and Emma Jean (Richard) Couture of Evansville; three brothers, Herman “Bud” (Sandra) Elpers of Florida, Paul (Sarah) Elpers and Dennis (Carol) Elpers, both of Evansville; twenty one grandchildren, Erin Norwood, Brandon Martin, Lindsay Schaefer, Lauren Martin, Laurie Marshall, Lisa Painter, Leslie Pickens, Dr. Sarah Dooley, Paul Martin Jr., Jeff, Tim, Michael and Brian Pigman, Emily Bolognese, Amanda Shepard, Daniel Martin, Kendal Short, Kyle Martin, Trisha Memmer, Kristen and Matthew Bitter and twenty eight great grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by two sons, Joseph Lee and Timothy Joseph Martin; by a sister, Norma Hoffman and daughter-in-law, Candace Martin. “In everybody’s garden, a little rain must fall, or life’s sweetest, fairest flower wouldn’t grow and bloom at all. And though the clouds hang heavy, so heavy, Oh, my friend, I’m sure that God, who sends the showers, will send the rainbows end.” A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, September 4, 2015 at St. Wendel Catholic Church, Rev. Ed Schnur officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Wendel Church Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M. on Thursday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street and from 9:30 A.M. until service time on Friday at St. Wendel Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Wendel Catholic Church, 10542 W. Boonville – New Harmony Road, Evansville, IN 47720. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Mary E. Martin

January 5, 1928 - August 30, 2015