Martha Schaefer

Martha (Marti) Alice Schaefer, 72, went to be with the Lord and his angels at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, June 14, 2016 at Alton Memorial Hospital, in Alton Illinois. Marti was born November 3, 1943 the daughter of Andrew and Martha (Pogue) Eskra, in Hillsboro, Illinois. Marti married her husband Robert (Bob) Schaefer on August 14, 1965. The couple recently celebrated 50 years together in 2015. After 18 years of trying, the two were blessed with a baby boy, Matthew, on August 18, 1983. Marti was a graduate of Hillsboro High School, in Hillsboro Illinois. She attended Illinois State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career in Springfield, IL and later attained a position as a second grade teacher for the Bethalto Public School District, in Bethalto, Illinois. While putting in countless hours molding and shaping the minds of many lucky students, Marti attended night and summer courses at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, to earn a Master’s Degree plus 32 hours, in her desire to become a reading specialist. Marti served as a remedial reading specialist for the last 10 years of her approximately 35 year teaching career. It was not uncommon for Marti and her family to run into her former students while out in about, and she always remembered each and every one of them. After her retirement, Marti eagerly donated her time to the ladies aid and other activities at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Bethalto. Being a teacher at heart, Marti never hesitated to help any student she could, often aiding family and friends with understanding assignments, constructing papers, and other tutoring activities.  In her spare time, Marti, enjoyed cooking and baking for her extended network of family and friends, and sewing, crocheting, and knitting items for anyone she felt was in need. The term, “Marti-made” was very well known in her circle. Marti enjoyed spending time with her husband, Bob, gardening and canning vegetables, which she felt included her love, and of which she was more than happy to share with those around her. The couple often enjoyed the solitude of sitting under the trees watching the Purple Martins flying about the open sky. Above all else, Marti often spoke of her greatest joy in life as being a mother to her son, Matt. She was always there to congratulate him on his accomplishments, and talk him through his failures. Marti is survived by her husband, Bob; one son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Amanda Schaefer of Worden; one grand-daughter, Harper Schaefer of Worden, and numerous in-laws and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Father and mother, Andrew and Martha Eskra; her sister, Peggy Eskra; and her grandson, Dakota. Marti leaves behind a lasting legacy of love and support. She touched the lives of countless people and she will never be forgotten. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. on Monday, June 20, 2016, at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto. Her funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto. She will be laid to rest at Rose Lawn Memory Garden, also in Bethalto. Memorials can be made to Zion Lutheran Church and the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be left at eliaskallalandschaaf.com.

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home