Martha Ann (Baugher) Kirchner

Martha Ann Baugher Kirchner, 90, of Keokuk, Iowa, passed away on Thursday,
September 2, 2021, at River Hills Village in Keokuk. 
 
Born March 8, 1931, in Beverly, Ill., Martha was the daughter of Albert and Mabel Ann
Hibbard Baugher. In 1949 she graduated from Keokuk High School, where she was Pep
Squad Major, and on July 15, 1951, she was united in marriage to A. Leroy Kirchner at
Trinity United Methodist Church in Keokuk. He preceded her in death on December 8,
2001.  
 
Martha – or Martha Ann as Leroy often called her – approached life with infectious
energy and enthusiasm, whether she was attending a game, concert or show, tackling
paperwork, cleaning house, preparing communion, playing cards, planning a party or
organizing a camping trip.
 
She was employed as a secretary for the Keokuk Community School District for 24
years, the Clerk of District Court for 12 years and St. Vincent Catholic School for three
years, bringing warmth and efficiency to every office. A devoted and active member of
Keokuk’s Trinity United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women, Martha
chaired many rummage sales and funeral luncheons and other events. She was a
member of the P.E.O. Chapter U, and a longtime Meals on Wheels volunteer.
 
Martha and Leroy were loyal fans of the Keokuk Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa
Hawkeyes. They made many trips to baseball games at Busch Stadium, and attended
football games at most of the Big Ten stadiums, as well as several bowl games,
including the Rose Bowl. Throughout her life Martha was a regular presence at Chiefs
games, whatever the sport. She was the consummate cheerleader, rooting for friends
and family on and off the field.
 
For many years Martha wintered in Florida, where she enjoyed walking the
beach, attending spring training games and shopping at consignment stores. Upbeat
and progressive, she maintained an active and healthy lifestyle, participating in
aquacise classes at the YMCA and taking brisk walks every day until shortly after her
90 th  birthday. Always ready to lend a hand, an ear or a shoulder, she never lost her
sense of humor and her boisterous laugh.
 
She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Nancy Baugher, of
Keokuk; and nieces and nephews: Ron Staggs, Cincinnati, Ohio; Debbie Baugher
Smith, Macomb, Ill.; Randy and Betty Baugher, River Falls, Wis.; Philip Wittekiend,
Missoula, Mont.; Terry and Shirley Wittekiend, Oklahoma City, Okla.; Phyllis Lovell
James, Palestine, Texas; John and Christine Sherrill Shields, Keokuk; Rick and

Leeanne Sherrill Humiston, Keokuk; Steve and Cynthia Baugher Wine, Miami Lakes,
Fla.; Cassie Baugher, Sacramento, Calif.; Lisa Baugher, Lebanon, Mo.; and Rob and
Ellen Baugher Day, Bartlett, Ill.; as well as 24 great-nephews and great-nieces, and 19
great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces, and a wealth of friends. 
 
Martha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leroy; her brother Chester
Baugher; four sisters: Genevieve Staggs Neff, Carrie Wittekiend, Velma Lovell and
Marjorie Sherrill, and their spouses; as well as three nephews: Dan Staggs, Robert
Sherrill and Matthew Baugher. 
 
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Trinity
United Methodist Church in Keokuk. A meal will follow in the fellowship hall. Burial at
Keokuk National Cemetery will be at a later date. Martha chose to donate her body to
the University of Iowa College of Medicine for scientific study, a final testament to her
generous spirit and concern for others. 

Memorial gifts may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church.

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