Martha (Kehm) Kindsfater

Martha Kindsfater (nee Kehm) entered life on March 5, 1923, and witnessed phenomenal changes in the world around her for over an entire century.  What distinguished  her longevity, was the countless ways in which she gave of herself and loved all others, carrying with her an extraordinary sense of humor and a blunt delivery of common sense, along with an uncanny satisfaction in her life, never wanting more than she had.  Under the watchful eye of her family’s loving care, at the age of 101, Martha’s spirit gently departed on the morning of May 14, 2024, and she joined The Lord to rest in peace.

Born and baptized in Lincoln, Nebraska, Martha was the descendant of German immigrants from the Volga region of Russia.  At  five, her family moved to the south side of Laurel, Montana, where her father, John Kehm, worked for the railroad and her mother Amalia handled domestic responsibilities and labored in the beet fields.  Growing up the eldest of four children, Martha attended school through the 11th grade and learned the skills of a homemaker.

At 17, she met Edward Kindsfater (also a Volga German descendant), and they married in 1940.  Together for over 66 years, they raised three daughters as Ed worked for the railroad and constructed the family home, while Martha took care of the children, was actively involved at church, and cleaned local houses to supplement the family income.  For fun, the couple especially enjoyed dancing, camping on weekends, and playing cards.

Along with her mother, Martha was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Laurel.  Each of her children were baptized and confirmed there.  Through the years, Martha served multiple terms as president of the LWML women’s group.  Among other things, she taught Sunday School classes, quilted with the women, created and shared recipes, published cookbooks, and provided meals for church events.  Church participation and serving her family and God was the major defining aspect and pleasure of Martha’s social life both inside and outside the home.  She lived in order to love and loved in order to live.  It’s no small wonder why she spent so long on Earth, and now she has her share of Heaven.

Martha was predeceased by her husband Ed in 2007 and by her siblings, Helen, Edwin and Richard.  She is survived by her three daughters, Carolyn “Jane” Crawford, Martha “Elaine” Nichols, Nancy June Edwards, and by her 10 grandchildren, Scott, Quinn, Travis, Jeff, Chad, Ecko, Joey, Maggie, Britni and Eric.  She also leaves 14 wonderful great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 am Monday May 20, 2024 at St' John's Lutheran Church.