Martha Jane Kummer

Martha Jane Kummer (nee Eatherton), of Weldon Spring, MO, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, at the age of 91. Beloved wife of Donald L. Kummer; cherished daughter of the late Christine and Thomas Eatherton; devoted mother of Richard (Diana) Kummer, Joan Kummer, Bruce (Theresa) Kummer, Christine (Matthew) Hamilton, and the late Robert (Becky-surviving) Kummer; loving grandmother of Lauren (Daniel) Korinek, Julie (Joshua) Miller, Joseph (Kelly) Kummer, Kellee (Adam) Ellis, Jill (Nate) Kroeker, Brad (Katie) Kummer, Matt Kummer, Kristen (Justin) Meyerpeter, Emma Hamilton, Grace Hamilton, and Philip Hamilton; treasured great grandmother of Ayden, Avery, Abigail, Noah, Luke, John, Gretta, Bobby, Harper, Nolan, Clayton, Teddy, Olivia, Madisyn, Colton, and Clara; dear sister of six siblings who all preceded her death, Helen Sweeney, Fred Eatherton, Thomas Eatherton, Linley Eatherton, Herb Eatherton, and Ruth McRae.

Martha Jane Eatherton was born on August 7, 1934, at home in a small white house at the intersection of Wildhorse Creek Rd. and Eatherton Rd. in Wildwood, MO. As a young girl she worked on her uncle's farm tending chickens and picking fruit. Martha was the youngest of seven children who have all preceded her in death. She was an aunt to many nieces and nephews. Her baptism occurred at Antioch Baptist Church. In 1957, she was confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Orville, MO. It was important to Martha to share her life verse with you. John 3:16, "for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

Martha graduated from Eureka High School where she met Donald Kummer. They were wed on August 1, 1953, while Don was in college. Martha worked diligently supporting Don through his last two years of college. Their small family (Don, Martha, and their firstborn, Richard) moved to Alexandira, VA while Don served in the United States Army at Fort Belvoir. After active duty they returned to Chesterfield, MO and resided in a mobile home on Don's family farm. Their next home was purchased in Florissant, MO where Martha lovingly cared for it and three additional children (Bob, Joan, and Bruce). With four children in tow, they then moved to Weldon Spring Heights. Their fifth child (Chris) was born in 1969. She enjoyed raising her children there. A place that was family oriented and had a sense of community. She and Don particularly enjoyed having family get-togethers on the Fourth of July each year.

Martha and Don's 72 years of marriage blessed them with 5 children, 11 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren. She was devoted to the upbringing of her children, serving as a den mother, and attending sporting events of not only her children, but her grandchildren.

Accompanying Don to military balls and other business events was among some of the ways she was lovingly supportive of his career. Oftentimes she was the one at home managing the household and five children when Don was required to travel for work.

Martha and family were members of Zion Lutheran Church in Harvester since 1967 where she served as a member of the Ladies Aid and was involved as a volunteer in countless activities both at church and school. As members of Zion's couples club, they enjoyed many fun times and obtained lifelong friends.

Extensive travel with Don, including going to six continents, on both land and sea were among her interests. She also enjoyed bowling, playing cards, shopping, and going to the "boat." She could spend hours caring for her flowers, watching the hummingbirds and other wildlife.

In Martha's own words, "I am most proud of the role I played in raising our 5 wonderful children to become responsible adults and parents."