Chrisman, IL - Chrisman - Martha Ellen Croucher passed this world to her heavenly reward on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 at 4:30 PM at Pleasant Meadows Senior Living in Chrisman, Illinois. She was 99-years-old but in her heart she would tell you she was 100-years-old. That was a big accomplishment for her.

Martha was born August 27, 1926 in Kokomo, Indiana. Her parents were George and Ethel Dean. She was one of eight daughters, Clara Jane, Bessie Mae, Betty, Jane, Margaret, Roberta and Ann Louise. At the age of four years they moved to Bloomindale, IN. She was baptized in Sugar Creek at the age of 12 and was a member of The Bloomindale Christian Church. She attended Bloomindale Schools and graduated with The Class of 1944.

She moved to Indianapolis, IN and had a job in a dress shop. She also worked at Walgreen's before going to work at the telephone company. She went home with one of her many friends one weekend to Jasonville, IN. There she met the love of her life, James (Jim) Croucher. They steadily dated and married July 16, 1949 in Indianapolis at the minister's home. They shared 60 years of marriage together. Jim passed away August 21, 2009 at the age of 82. They had two children, Norman (Peggy) Croucher and Linda (John) Pasquale. Norman (Butch) Croucher passed away February 10, 2022.

She worked at Olins in Covington, IN, then at the Veteran's Administration, as a nurse for 22 years, retiring in 1989. After retirement they loved to camp and would frequent Walnut Point, Kentucky Lake, and many other places. Jim loved to fish and Martha loved to camp. They had many adventures together. Martha always thought family was the most important thing. She was always having dinners, bringing the family together. There was always a "spirited" euchre game involved afterwards. She loved spending time with her family and friends and was always there for them in any time of need. She was a member of the Eastern Star Chapter, 140 Columbian Chapter Linton, IN. She was also a member of the Crossroads Christian Church in Danville.

She had several nieces and nephews that she loved and enjoyed spending time with along with many beloved friends.

Martha is survived by one daughter, Linda (John) Pasquale; one daughter-in-law, Peggy (Norman) Croucher; five grandchildren, Jason (Nikki) Pasquale, Ryan Pasquale, Keri Croucher (Ted Robertson), Beth Croucher and Kathy (Jon) Gresser; three step-children, Bill Elliott, Rob Elliott and Debbie Elliott; ten great-grandchildren, Paisley Pasquale, Hannah (Parker) Hathaway, Connor Holden, Dalton (Lynzee) Michael, Austin (Tamia) Croucher, Savannah Robertson, Mattie Croucher, Stella Pearman, Joey Gresser, Cierra Elliott; one great-grandchild, Kaiah Croucher; one sister, Ann Marchese of Port Charlotte, FL.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James; son, Norman; parents, George and Ethel Dean; half-sisters, Clara Jane Sullivan, Bessie Mae Sullivan, Betty Sullivan; sisters, Margaret Myers, Jane Nance and Roberta Smith.

Special thanks to Pleasant Meadows Senior Living for all of their kind and compassionate care.

A service to celebrate the life of Martha Croucher will be held at 2:30 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. Pastor Robbie Ketcherside will officiate. Burial will follow at Johnson Cemetery in Danville. Visitation will be held from 2-2:30 PM prior to the service on Monday, also at Sunset in Danville.

Please join Martha's family sharing photos, videos and memories on her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.