Ilse Martens was born March 12, 1938 in Eger, Germany, with her twin sister, Marianne, to Karl and Margaret (Brandl) Kartschall.  Being born during war time, her childhood was not easy.  Waking up one morning and having to leave on a train with nothing but their clothes, food being very scarce, and her dad becoming a prisoner of war, all brought many challenges for her family.  At 12 years old she helped her mom clean houses, and by 14 she had a full time job.  She attended school just one day a week, with teachers that were very strict on the German children.  At age 15, she worked for social services, taking care of about 40 children.  At age 19, she began working for an American Army family that had three children.  At the base they were stationed at in Germany she met Clarence Martens.

In January 1959, Ilse moved to the United States and was united in marriage with Clarence in Hays, Kansas.  This union was blessed with three children:  Maryanne, Richard, and Edwin.  One of the proudest moments of her life was when she became a legal United States Citizen in 1965.

They made their home on a farm south of Anthony, where they farmed and raised cattle together for many years.  Ilse also obtained her Certified Nurse Aide license and worked for the Anthony Hospital.

Wanting her children to know about her heritage and where she came from, she took each of her children individually back to Germany a few times during their childhood.  She had a great love for her children and grandchildren.

On March 23, 2023, Ilse passed away at Anthony Community Care Center at the age of 85.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence on December 25, 2014; her parents; brother, Richard Kartschall; and son-in-law, Steve Latta.

Ilse will be deeply missed by her children:  Maryanne "Catt" Latta, Richard (Elsie) Martens, and Edwin (Dena) Martens; twin sister, Marianne Kelsey; brother, Freddy Kartschall; 9 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends and caregivers.

Graveside service 1:00 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2023 at Forest Park Cemetery in Anthony.  Friends may view and register from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Prairie Rose Funeral Home, Anthony.

Memorials in memory of Ilse may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and can be sent in care of Prairie Rose Funeral Home, 602 E. Main St., Anthony, KS 67003.