Marilyn "Martha" Elder, 82 of Kingsley, passed away on Thursday, May 15th, 2025, with her children and grandchildren by her side. Martha was born on April 15th, 1943, in Battle Creek, Michigan to Ralph and Mildred (Crotser) Heminger. She grew up on a farmhouse in White Pigeon, with her older brother, Sam, and older sister, Sherrill. She described her fond childhood memories of the fresh country air and serene landscape. It was there that her love of horses was founded and cultivated, as she often recalled sneaking out to be with her horses. Martha attended White Pigeon High School and was involved in the PEP club which was responsible for hosting school spirit events.

In June 1960, at the tender age of 17, she married Thomas Elder of Constantine at Mottville Bible Church in Mottville, Michigan and began her journey as a wife and mother. After their honeymoon to Tahquamenon Falls, they moved into a house in Constantine and started their family. They eventually moved to Traverse City and fell in love with Northern Michigan. In 1972, they settled in the outskirts of Kingsley, Michigan where they built their own house that Martha would call home for the remainder of her life.

Martha and Tom worked together on their homestead for several years. Martha used her skills in canning and cooking to provide for her family and poured herself into her children in every way that she could. After all her children were attending school, she went to work at Sara Lee for over 20 years, where she enjoyed community and made friendships that lasted for the rest of their lifetimes.

In her later years, Martha enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, often taking them to garage sales to find hidden treasures. As they grew older, she would look forward to their breakfast and lunch dates at different locations – especially Cracker Barrel and Culver's.

In recent years, she attended Colfax Community Church and enjoyed singing hymns and visiting with other believers.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, siblings, husband, and grandson, Matthew Crouse.

She is survived by her six children, Thomas Elder, Gary (Monique) Elder, Jeanine (Rick) Sika, Jane (Gert) Schlingensief, Norman (Jill) Elder, and Janet (Brad) VanWingerden. Eleven Grandchildren, Hailey (Ken) Green, Jacob (Cheyenne) Crouse, Saskia and Alec Schlingensief, Rebekah and Benjamin Elder, Lily (Luis) Perez, and Zane, Norah, Zeeva and Lucy VanWingerden. Three great-grandchildren, Lilly and Reina Green and Charlie Crouse.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Colfax Community Church.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00PM, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, 200 N. Brownson Ave., Kingsley, Michigan 49649, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM.

Luncheon Reception Following the Service. Cornerstone Church of Kingsley 7511 Blackman Rd Kingsley MI, 49649

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com