Elsie Jane Martin

Elsie Jane (Kirsch) Martin passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at her home. Elsie Jane was born in McLeansboro December 30, 1945, to Matt and Clara (Rubenacker) Kirsch. In 1966 she met her future husband, James H. (Jim) Martin at SIUC, and they were married on June 15, 1968, in Piopolis, Illinois. He survives.

Elsie was a farm girl and grew up on the farm in Piopolis, Illinois. She attended elementary school (grades 1 through 8) in Piopolis. From there she went to McLeansboro Township High School and graduated in 1964. After high school she attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where she earned two degrees (1968 and 1989). She started her teaching career at Murphysboro High School where she taught in the Business Department for 18 years. From there, Elsie moved on to SIUC where she taught courses in the Information Management Systems Department for 16 years after which she retired. During those years of teaching she was a member of professional organizations and received several awards.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of Elsie’s life was assisting others in whatever way she could to help make their life a bit easier and more enjoyable be it a ride, a visit, encouragement, empathy, etc.

She enjoyed working in the yard, especially caring for her plants and flowers, most of which were connected to someone or something special. She also enjoyed reading, puzzles, collecting cookbooks, cooking, and baking. Christmas was a special time when Elsie baked dozens of cookies that she shared with others. Most of all Elsie enjoyed the years of adventures and memories made with her husband, Jim, observing nature and traveling many highways and byways (a lot of miles on two wheels) achieving the dream of visiting all of the 50 states and, in addition, 16 Canadian provinces. She also enjoyed their regular routine of running, jogging, and walking together, as well as participating in 5K and 10K fun runs. Elsie, along with Jim loved basketball, especially college and high school. For many years she and Jim were avid SIU football and basketball fans and season ticket holders.

Elsie Jane is survived by her husband; sister, Bernice Aydt of McLeansboro; three very special nieces, Anita (Doug) Koontz of Belleville; Janet (Pete) Witteried of Wildwood, Missouri; Cynthia (Vince) Bowling of Herrin; two very special nephews, Steven Aydt of Belleville; and Wayne Aydt of Johnston City; five great nephews, Jeremy (Cara) Koontz, Andrew Koontz, Matthew (Danielle) Bowling, Zachary Bowling, and Anthony Bowling; two great nieces, Trista (Tony) Giubardo and Keara Witteried; three great great nieces, and 1 great great nephew.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law, Clarence “Bill” Aydt.

Services will be at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025 in St. Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro, Illinois with Father Joel Seipp officiating, Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at the church. Burial will be in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery in Piopolis where a graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 30, 2025.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrew School, Murphysboro, Newman Center, Carbondale or St. John the Baptist Catholic cemetery, Piopolis and will also be accepted at Southern Cremation and Burial Services in Murphysboro.

Final Arrangements were Lovingly Entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois.