Martha E. Crowder

Martha E. Crowder, age 91, of Mattoon, IL passed away Friday, May 17, 2024, at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. A funeral service in her honor will be held at noon, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, located at 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Dr. John Calio will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens in Mattoon, IL. A visitation will be held from 10: 00 AM until 11:45 AM with Order of the Eastern Star Rites to be performed prior to the service. Martha was born on July 6, 1932, in rural Yale, IL to the late C. Everett and Zola A. (Ransdell) Harrison. She married Robert D. Crowder on November 15, 1952, in Mattoon, IL; he preceded in her in death on December 8, 2008. Together they shared four children, Nancy Crowder and husband Marty Walker of New Port Richey, FL; The Honorable Judge Barbara Crowder(ret.) and husband Larry Taliana of Edwardsville, IL; Connie Crow and husband Dean of Mattoon, IL; and Jeffrey Crowder of Mattoon, IL. Martha was blessed with seven grandchildren: Heather Theriault and husband Darrin of Pineville, NC; Paul Taliana of Godfrey, IL; Robert Taliana and wife Erica of Aurora, IL; Kayla Wiles and husband Doug of Mattoon, IL; Benjamin Taliana and wife Emily Newcomb of Minneapolis, MN; Chloe Crow of Mattoon, IL; and Karalyssa Crow of Illiopolis, IL. Added joys were seven great-grandchildren: Christina Theriault, Joshua and Maya Taliana, Tae’Lyn Finley, Kamiyah Coney, Karmyn and Davina Crow. Martha was also preceded in death by one infant sister. In her younger years, Martha attended a one room schoolhouse in the country through 8th grade, by which time she was the only student in the school. She graduated from Newton High School in 1949. She then moved to Mattoon and met her husband, Bob, and they started their life and family together, sharing many wonderful memories. Martha retired from General Electric after thirty-five years of dedicated employment. She was a member of First Southern Baptist Church and passionate member of Coles County Democrats where she and Bob spent countless hours turning out Democratic votes. Martha’s political dedication was recognized statewide when the Illinois Democratic County Chairmans’ Association honored her with its prestigious service award. Martha was active in the Elect Lady Chapter #40 Order of the Eastern Star where she served as a Worthy Matron, The Rebekah’s, and Women of the Moose. She enjoyed spending time in winters in Florida with her daughter Nancy and son-in-law Marty. She enjoyed attending street markets, local festivals, and walking Nancy’s dog. Martha will be remembered for her strength and her tender heart. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and also a friend to many. Memorials in her honor may be made to Beverly Farms Foundation, 6301 Humbert Road, Godfrey, IL 62035 or at www.beverlyfarms.org. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Martha E. Crowder

July 6, 1932 - May 17, 2024