Martha Ellen Rath, 90, of Elkville, passed away at 11:40 A.M., Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at the Manor Court in Carbondale, IL.
Martha had worked for twenty-eight and a half years at Bowlin Foodland.  She enjoyed traveling and camping.
She was born April 9, 1935 in Elkville, IL, the daughter of Alfred and Hattie (Barnes) Varnum.
She is survived by three children - Michael Aldridge and Nancy of Elkville, Kathy Swierenga of Du Quoin, and Dennis Aldridge of Elkville, six grandchildren - Keith Aldridge and Shelly of Elkville, Kelly Wisely and Jesse of Vergennes, Blake Aldridge and Amy of Malabar FL, Chasity Brown of Christopher, Aaron Aldridge and Sherry of Elkville, and Roseanna Wimer and Mark of Fairfield, IL, one brother - Frank Varnum of Ft. Myers, FL and many great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother - Gilbert Barnes, one sister - Bernice Riley, and one son-in-law - David Swierenga.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 3, 2026 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Gary Pruitt officiating.
Friends may call from Noon until the time of service on Friday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Elkville Cemetery in Elkville, IL.
Friends may make memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.