Martha Jane Brant, age 87, of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on July 26, 1938, in St. Francisville, Illinois, Martha was the daughter of Ray and Geraldine (Griggs) O’Dell. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in education and dedicated her professional life to teaching, touching the lives of countless students throughout her career.
On August 6, 1961, Martha married the love of her life, Galen Brant, son of Herman and Jennie Brant, in St. Francisville, Illinois. Together they shared nearly 65 years of marriage, building a life centered on faith, family, and service to others.
A devoted member of the First Christian Church in Salem for 60 plus years, Martha was active in her church and community. She taught Sunday school for the little children for many years. She was also a member of ADK and the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Her kindness, wisdom, and servant’s heart left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Martha will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her dedication to education, her love for her family, and the countless lives she enriched through her kindness and encouragement. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love her.
Martha is survived by her beloved husband, Galen Brant of Salem; two sons, Troy Brant of Jacksonville, Florida, and Tim Brant and wife Melanie of Indianapolis, Indiana; her sister, Kathy Lynch and husband Jim; five grandchildren, Sean, Christian, Jacob, Alexzandra, and Matthew; and two great-grandchildren, Reese and Ryan all of whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Geraldine O’Dell.
Funeral services for Martha Jane Brant will be held at the First Christian Church in Salem on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. with Matthew Erxleben officiating. Burial will follow at Paradise Cemetery in Salem. There will be a visitation held on Friday, June 26th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salem Community Band and Choir or to the landscaping at First Christian Church in Salem and can be received at the church or at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem who is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com
