Martha Mester, 93, of South Bend, went home on Friday September 2, 2016 to the place her Lord and Savior Jesus had long ago prepared her for. Martha was born the second of three daughters, to James & Anna Nygren on February 8, 1923, who along with both of her sisters, Margret & Geraldine, preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death was her husband of 66 years, John Mester and her youngest daughter Beverly Gilvin. Martha met a handsome young soldier and married John on April 10, 1942 as the clouds of World War Two were gathering. John and Martha spent their first year together on Army Posts in Louisiana and Mississippi. When overseas duty came to John, Martha (more the adventurer than most knew) joined the United States Navy to do her part for the war effort and to wait for John''s return from the Asia-Pacific theater where he served. Sgt."Johnnie"made it back after VJ day and John and his bride were both honorably discharged from their respective services to start their family. By 1954, Karin, James, and Beverly were born. Along the way Martha went to college and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and enjoyed a thirty year career as a teacher, more than half of which was spent in the budding private Christian School movement. In retirement, Martha enjoyed her growing extended family and creative writing and poetry.
Martha was residing with her daughter and son-in-law, Karin and Harvey Hatfield at the time of her home-going. Martha is survived by daughter Karin (Harvey) Hatfield of South Bend, and son James (Suzy)Mester of Mishawaka. Also surviving are ten grandchildren 21 great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews who all enriched her life beyond measure. If Martha could come back even for a moment, she would not, except to tell any who would listen, that "Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through him". John 14:6. Rev. Joshua Goepfrich will officiate Funeral Services at 4:00 Sunday September 11, 2016 in Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy. Friends may call Sunday from 2-4pm in the funeral home.