Martha Glenn Jirus

Martha’s life was filled with family, faith, friendship, music, service, and adventure. She was a teacher, choir member, Girl Scout leader, quilter, seamstress, cyclist, traveler, and, above all, someone who embraced life with a generous spirit.

Martha was born October 25, 1935, in Geneva, Illinois, to Herbert and Esther Hahn. She grew up in St. Charles, Illinois, graduating from St. Charles High School in 1953 and from the University of Illinois in 1957, where she was a member of Phi Mu sorority.

On June 23, 1957, Martha married Richard A. Jirus at First Congregational Church of St. Charles. Following Richard’s service in the U.S. Air Force, they settled in Davenport. Martha taught at Franklin Elementary School in Moline, sharing her love of learning with generations of students.

A longtime member of Edwards Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), Martha sang in the choir for more than 50 years and served for several years as church school superintendent. She also gave her time as a Girl Scout troop leader and was active in the church’s Ladies Day Out. A talented seamstress and quilter, Martha was known for the beautiful things she lovingly created for family and friends.

Martha and Richard shared a love of adventure. They enjoyed bicycling and participated in many RAGBRAI rides, taking in Iowa’s small towns and countryside together on two wheels. For many years, they also traveled across the United States in their Airstream as members of the Wally Byam Airstream Club, exploring new places and making memories along the way.

Those left to cherish Martha’s memory include her daughters, Marjorie Kathleen Jirus of Davenport and Laura Glenn Jirus of Titusville, Florida; her son-in-law, Tim Jirus; her grandchildren, Caitlin, Austin, and Darren; her brother, Herbert Dennis Hahn, and his wife, Bonnie, of Sonora, California, and their daughter, Elizabeth; her sister, Merrill Clark of Cassopolis, Michigan, and her children, Toby, Lincoln, and Merry Bell; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Richard A. Jirus; her parents, Herbert and Esther Hahn; and her brother-in-law, John Clark.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, August 20, 2026, at Edwards Congregational UCC, 3420 Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport, Iowa. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Per Martha’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

Martha will be laid to rest beside her husband, Richard, at Rock Island National Cemetery the same day.

Memorials may be made to Edwards Congregational UCC, in memory of Martha Jirus, 3420 Jersey Ridge Road, Davenport, Iowa 52807.