Martha Jo (Kieffer) Hering, 89, of Martinsville, Indiana, passed away peacefully, at home surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, August 15, 2024, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was born August 11, 1935, at home in Lancaster, Illinois, the eldest child of John and Honorine (Cabbasier) Kieffer.
Martha Jo was all about showering love on family and friends. Her favorite past times were reading and putzing in the kitchen. Her home cooking comforted many bodies and souls. Martha Jo enjoyed planning and hosting family events as well as socializing with friends over a cup of coffee or meal. She was a devout Catholic with a strong devotion to Mary attested by all the rosaries she kept strewn around the house, in the car, and in her pockets. Martha Jo grew up on a farm near Lancaster Illinois, attended a one-room elementary school, graduated from Mt. Carmel High School, then spent half her adult life enjoying traveling the world with her children while her husband was active in the Air Force. After retiring from military life, they settled in Indianapolis. Martha Jo sold real estate at Century 21 Landtree for many years where she eventually achieved the Million Dollar Club status. She was active in St. Barnabas Catholic Church for many years. She was co-owner of a small business, Kieffer Contours. Even in retirement, up to her final day, she kept busy always focused on supporting family, friends and church. Martha Jo will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Martha Jo leaves behind her five children, Susan Fryman, John Kieffer, Lisa McColly, Karen (Ron) Phillips and David (Pam) Hering; nine grandchildren, Leslie, Peter, T.J., Dan, Katy, Anna, Abby, Annie, and Adam; nine great-grandchildren, Hallie, Guinness, Lucian, Joe, Jax, Julia, Clara, Miriam and Olivia; her only sister, Sheila Wilson.
Martha Jo was preceded in death by her parents.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Visitation from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Mount Carmel, Illinois.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 24, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Martha’s memory to St. Mary School in Mt. Carmel, or Life’s Journey Hospice in Indianapolis. Envelopes will be at the church or can be mailed to Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Martha Jo’s tribute wall, purchase flowers and leave condolences for her family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com
