Martha Florence Elder

April 12, 1932 – April 19, 2023

Martha was the second of three children born to Frank and Agnes (Janicek) Lesikar who were farmers of Czech descent in Bell County, Texas. Martha grew up bilingual, working on the family farm and active in Ocker Brethren Church, where the seeds of her faith were planted. After winning the speed typing contest in high school, she graduated from Temple Junior College and the University of Texas in Austin, with a BBA degree. She then came to Houston to work for Humble Oil & Refining Co. In Houston she joined First Presbyterian Church where she met Rowland in the singles Sunday school class. They were married in 1958. She was a faithful, supportive wife to Rowland for the next 62 years.

When Joan, her first child, was born in 1960, Martha resigned from Humble and devoted all her energies to her growing family. After Ted was born eleven months later, she described herself as “the happiest mother in Houston.” When Glen, their third child, was born in 1967, her joy only increased. She was always active and involved with her family, teaching in Sunday school, serving on PTA at school, or making lunches for the weekend waterskiing trip. She loved all of her family so, so well, caring for her grandchildren, cooking for them any chance she got. She and Rowland happily shared their lives with others with no agenda other than to be present, caring and serving.

In about 1973 Martha started attending Houston’s first Bible Study Fellowship class, which she so appreciated over the next six years she participated. She grew in her faith and in relationships with other women there. She also served for many years as a volunteer in the “Stephen’s ministry” at church, as well as in the church offices and was a faithful intercessor as part of the church prayer chain.

She is remembered by many as a loving hostess, who seemed to effortlessly welcome guests into her home for meals or overnight stays. A child of the depression, she never shied away from hard work, and always had a thankful heart. Her favorite hymn was “Breathe on Me Breath of God”. She could often be found after breakfast in her armchair with her Bible open, talking with her Savior. Martha was welcomed into Jesus’ presence on April 19, 2023.

She is survived by her brother, Daniel Lesikar and by her children: Joan Elder Moody and her husband Kevin, Ted Rowland Elder and his wife Annette, and Glen Charles Elder and his wife Laura, and by eleven grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Her memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church Houston at 11am on May 11, 2023. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Beloved and Beyond, a Christian camp for those with special needs: Belovedandbeyond.org.