Martha Sieber

MARTHA SIEBER, 91, of Mahomet, IL, passed away at 1:46 P.M. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at her home.

Martha was born on November 11, 1922 in Freeport, IL. She was a daughter of Clarence and Mable (Resh) Meck.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Paul Sieber of Mahomet, IL; three sons, Gerald Sieber and his wife Yvonne of Hesston, KS, Delmar Sieber and his wife Sandy of Champaign, IL and Marlin Sieber and his wife Peggy of Mansfield, IL; two daughters, Norma Symns and her husband Thomas of Longmont, CO and Nancy Seaman and her husband Dennis of Champaign, IL; twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Arlene Schaefer of Phoenix, AZ and Ethel Smucker of Archbold, OH.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Dr. Mervin Meck who lived in Marion, VA and Howard Meck who lived in Archbold, OH.

Martha graduated from Dakota High School in Dakota, IL. On April 24, 1943, she married Paul Clarence Sieber at her parent's home in Freeport, IL. She became a faithful partner to Paul, supporting him first as matron at a Children's Home in West Liberty, OH and at numerous pastoral assignments over the next forty-seven years.

Martha was a loving wife and mother who lived her life to raise her children and support her husband. She had a gentle spirit and gift of hospitality. Throughout the many moves Martha & Paul made as servants of the Lord, her patience, adaptability and support were always evident. She was dearly loved by her family and many others who had the privilege of coming in contact with her. She will be greatly missed.

She was best known for her amazing cooking skills and all the many wonderful meals she graciously prepared for many occasions. A cookbook published by the Arthur Mennonite Church was dedicated to her and it best summarizes her talents. “We, the members of the Women’s Council, wish to dedicate this book to one who has not only proven to be a good cook, but has also done much to provide spiritual food for many. Her service is often not of the most obvious nature, but she gives freely of her time and talents. It is an inspiration to us as we see the fruits of the spirit at work in her life. We would like to take this opportunity to show her our appreciation, so we dedicate this cookbook to our friend and pastor’s wife, Martha Sieber.”

Martha's family greatly appreciates the loving care she received from the staff at Glenwood Assisted Living in Mahomet, IL and Carle Hospice, especially her nurse, Wendy Graham.

A service to celebrate Martha's life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the First Mennonite Church, 902 West Springfield Avenue, Urbana, IL. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Carle Hospice or an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences for the family may be left at www.edwardsfh.net