Martha Kiel, a beloved mother, teacher, artist, friend and philanthropist, peacefully passed away at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of love and inspiration. Martha was born in Stamford Texas where she graduated from high school. Martha earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Midwestern University in Wichita Falls in 1953. In 1956 Martha and her family moved to Abilene, Texas. In 1964 Martha went back to school, achieving an elementary education teaching certificate from Hardin-Simmons University and a Master of Education degree from Abilene Christian University. In 1966 Martha began her teaching career. For more than fifty years, Martha dedicated her life to educating generations of students, instilling in them a love of learning and creativity. Instructing approximately 17,000 students in her 34 AISD year teaching career, Martha taught at Jefferson Junior High, and Cooper High School, while serving as an adjunct professor at McMurry University. At Hardin -Simmons University she served as adjunct professor from 1974-2013 and was Chair of the art department from 2000-2013 prior to retirement. During her teaching career Martha received many accolades. In 1995 The University of Texas Ex-Student Association awarded her The Texas Excellence Award for Outstanding High School Teacher as one of the top ten educators in the state; 1997 Western Regional High School Division Art Educator of the Year; 1997 TAEA High School Art Educator, and 1997 Texas Arts Education Association Outstanding Art Educator Award. As an artist, her vibrant spirit shone through her beautiful creations, bringing joy and color to all who experienced them. Martha was a founding member of what is now The Center for Contemporary Arts. She served on the Board of Trustees The Grace Museum; and was a volunteer for many years for Los Aficionados. In 2018 Martha was The Grace Museum Gala honoree. In 2020 The Martha Kiel Scholarship was established to benefit a young master artist as part of Abilene Education Foundation Young Masters Juried Art Program. Martha was not only a beacon of light in her family, she was also a pilar of her community. Martha was a member of and served on the board of The Abilene Women's Club; American Association of University Women; Board of Trustees Abilene Preservation League; Outdoor Sculpture Committee; Board of Trustees Paramount Theater; and AISD Liaison with Texas Commission on the Arts. With a great smile and a warm heart, she touched the lives of everyone around her and left an indelible mark on all who knew her. As a mother of three, grandmother of five and a great-grandmother of two, Martha's wisdom will continue to live on the hearts of her family for generations to come. Martha was preceded in death by her parents Nicholas and Mary Guillet, her sister Mary Alice Wallace, the husband of her children John F. Kiel and her beloved grandsons Nicholas Whitaker and Casey Huff. She is survived by her sisters Caroline "Ducky" Byrnes of Tucson and Gwen Guillet of Portsmouth, NH; her children, Mary K Huff and husband Anthony; Bit Whitaker and husband Bill, Drei Kiel and wife Julia; her grandchildren Riley Whitaker and wife Jennifer; Kenzie Whitaker; Curran Kiel and fiancé Aleks Kosta; and great grandchildren Sophia and Taylor. As well as many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins. Her kindness, grace, and strength of character will be dearly missed, but the memories of her laughter and lessons she imparted will forever remain with us. Martha Kiel leaves behind a world that is brighter because of her presence, and her spirit will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Rest in peace, dear Martha, knowing that your legacy of love and generosity will never be forgotten Services for Martha will be Saturday June 8, 2024 at 4:00pm in the afternoon at Heavenly Rest Episcopal Church located at 602 Meander St. Abilene, TX79602, followed by a Celebration of Life at The Center for Contemporary Arts. Memorial Donations can be made to The Martha Kiel Art Student Scholarship Fund Abilene Education Foundation; The Nicholas Whitaker Memorial Scholarship Fund Community Foundation of Abilene; The Casey Huff Memorial Scholarship Fund Community we Foundation of Abilene or to the charity of your choice. Services entrusted to North's Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com Martha's service will be live streamed from The Church of the Heavenly Rest at 4:00 CST, June 8, 2024. To access the live stream service go to Facebook or YouTube and search Abilene Heavenly Rest Episcopal Church and go to the video that says "Live".