Martha Marie (Harshbarger) Birch of Mt. Zion, Illinois, and Marco Island, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 21, 2008, with family at her side, into God's hands following a valiant fight against cancer at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Martha was born on December 13, 1935, to the late Herman and Marie (Wolford) Harshbarger of Atwood, Illinois. She married Alvin L. Birch on August 13, 1955 in Atwood.

Martha was a caring, energetic and tenacious woman, who served and enjoyed her family, work and community. After graduating from Atwood High School, she was employed by Illinois Power, later raising three children and volunteering with the PTA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, EHS Booster Club, St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, Women's Golf League Board, among other various committees. A natural administrator, she was bookkeeper and office manager for McKeever Communications, before retiring in 1990. As a member of Prairie Ave. Christian Church, she served in several capacities, and also at her church, United Christian Church of Marco Island, Florida. She was a 50 year member of Order of Eastern Star, Sullivan Chapter and Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron. Spending her winters at Marco, she served on the Condo Association Board and fulfilled various community roles there as well. In retirement, she became an avid golfer, getting a hole-in-one, and enjoying many friends in several golf leagues. Throughout her years, she loved fishing, gardening, and her children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities.

Mom had a wonderful and gentle soul. Her strength and courage throughout her battle with cancer was an inspiration to all. Taken from us too soon, we will especially miss her contagious smile, those beautiful eyes and her tender voice.

She is survived by her beloved husband: Alvin Birch; Children: Susan (Don) Naumann of Waterloo, Gary (Jill) Birch of Carmel, IN, Todd (Michelle) Birch of Arlington Heights, Grandchildren: Lindsay (Collin) Moore, Kyle Moore, Joel Birch, Katie Birch, Angie (James) White, John (Lorrie) Naumann, 6 Great-Grandchildren, Brothers: Fred (Betty) Harshbarger of Atwood, IL, Carl (Sharon) Harshbarger of Decatur, IL, Sister: Norma (Lawrence) Ingrum of Atwood, IL, Sister-In-Law: Yvonne Harshbarger of Decatur, IL, Many Nieces and Nephews

She was preceded by her parents and brother: Dale Harshbarger.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 25, 2008 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 66 East US Highway 36, Atwood, IL, with the Rev. Connie Green officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M., Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the Prairie Avenue Christian Church, 2201 East Prairie Ave., Decatur, IL and from 9:30 – 11:00 A.M., Friday, July 25, 2008 at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Lake Fork Cemetery, rural Atwood, IL.

The Birch family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for the prayers offered for Martha and to the dedicated and caring staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital and the Cancer Center.

Memorials contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville, Suite B, Peoria, IL 61614 or Prairie Avenue Christian Church, 2201 East Prairie Ave., Decatur, IL 62521

On-Line Condolences to the family may be sent to hilligossshraderfh.com