Martha (McCord) McIlrath died as she lived her life, with dignity and grace and surrounded by those she loved, in her scenic home overlooking the old mill on Sugar Creek near Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Dearest wife and proud mother of seven, grandmother of thirteen, great-grandmother of eleven, and great-great-grandmother of two as well as beloved mother-in-law to two daughters and three sons, she will be missed, honored and remembered always.

Martha was born on January 6th, 1929 in Vigo County to Walter and Catherine (Woods) McCord.  It was a cold winter day, and between packing up, bundling up, and getting the old family car warmed up in Rosedale, little Martha made her entrance into this world in the elevator of the Terre Haute hospital.  Soon, that arrival became her personality: rushing about, eager and curious, bright-eyed and trusting.

Martha's father eventually opened McCord Lumber in Logansport and moved his young family there.  Martha and her husband, Dan McIlrath, met in high school in Logansport, became high school sweethearts and were married for 66 years before Dan's death in 2015.

While Dan was attending Purdue, their first two children Marie and David were born. A new job and life in Kokomo saw Ellie, James, Beth, Rob, and Becky's births, the McIlrath family complete.

After a few years in Greenville, Mississippi, their move to Crawfordsville in 1974 was a permanent one.  The city became their beloved hometown for over 46 years. While Dan concentrated on the economic engine, Martha focused on the heart of our city.

To know Martha, foremost, was to admire her beautiful gardens, no matter where she was planted. Artist, painter and sculptor, she belonged to the Art League, exhibiting her paper castings at shows and galleries, and  to the Needleworkers Club, where she enjoyed sewing and making crafts. She was a news hound, and lover and writer of poems and prose. She loved children and dogs of all sorts and sizes. From the time she was a small girl, Martha added her beautiful, clear voice to many church choirs, times of pure joy for her.

Martha gave her time freely, volunteering at St. Bernards for Bernie's Cafe, a community outreach program, contributing to family dinners at the church, and teaching Sunday school.  She delivered for Meals on Wheels for more than 40 years until quite recently at the age of 91, proof of her giving spirit to those in need.

Martha is survived by six of her children, Marie (John Vanada), Ellie (Dennis Thurston), James, Beth, Rob (Cheryl Marquess-Calder), and Becky (Mike Owen).  Her son David (Kathy Fleming) predeceased her.

Arrangements will be at St. Bernard's Church, Crawfordsville, Indiana, on Saturday, February 15th.  Visitation will be from 10am-noon, with a funeral mass to follow and a community luncheon.

Online condolences can be sent to huntandson.com.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Montgomery County Community Foundation, PO Box 334, Crawfordsville, IN 47933.  A link is available at www.mccf-in.org.