Kimberly Ann Martin

Kimberly Ann Martin, loving mother of Eva (Adam) Buch, caring daughter of Beverly (John) Martin, and Nonni to Axel and Aurelia Buch who graced this world for 56 wonderful years, resided in Red Bud, IL, until her untimely death on Saturday, June 24, 2023 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in Saint Louis, MO.

She was born Thursday, September 29, 1966, in Belleville, IL. Where she was raised and was a very proud Lancer alumni.

Kim worked as a registered nurse with experience in emergency medicine, cardiac care, interventional radiology, neonatology, trauma, employee health, corrections, and teaching. Her patients often remembered her for being so caring and compassionate.

The saying, “Never met a stranger” is what would describe her perfectly. She was always smiling, bubbly, and just happy. She lived life to the fullest every day. And that meant meeting people constantly that enhanced her life. Since her death, people have come out saying how they may have only known her one day but they already loved her. The infectious smile she had and brilliant blue eyes that have been passed on to her grandchildren are something no one could ever forget.
Food was another great passion in her life. She loved to cook and share food with people she met. You could feel the love and passion in whatever meal she made. Her parties were always top notch. She was the elite hostess and she always went the extra mile to make sure everyone enjoyed themselves. She wanted to bring people together and she did just that.

Her family was so important to her.

Her grandchildren where her life. Axel, (5) was her constant companion. She attended almost every prenatal visit to see him grow. Cried at every sonography, and did anything she could to make this boy happy.
Aurelia (6 months) was her newest love. She has every sparkly outfit and shoe she could find ready to make Nonni’s Gorgi Girl shine. Nonni was the first to make Aurelia laugh and always made her so happy.

Me, her daughter Eva, she was my best friend. We worked side by side for many years. I went to nursing school because I wanted to be just like her. I called her every day after work just to talk. I told her everything. She taught me to be brave, she taught me to love others, and she taught me to believe in myself. What else can describe her other than pure love.

Adam, her son in law, was more like a son. Any adventure that she wanted to do he was always there with her. She taught him a lot about slowing down and living for now. Never taking one day for granted.

To her parents, the late John and Beverly, Kim was the love of their life. Her mother’s gem. Her daddy was her safe space. Talking about her childhood and all the memories of being a river rat. There was not a summer they weren’t on the water. She was a dreamer like her father and got her nurturing soul from her mother.

The bond between Kim, Eva, and Beverly was undeniable. The three amigas. A constant source of support, love, and strength. Three generations, now four, of woman who teach each other, learn, and grow together. That will continue.

She was preceded in death by her:

• Father: John Allen Martin
• Grandchildren: Ace and Hope Buch
• Nephew: Jared Martin

Surviving are her:

• Daughter: Eva (Adam) Buch of Red Bud, IL
• Mother: Beverly Ann, nee MacElroy, Martin of Red Bud, IL
• Brothers
  • James (Anita) Martin of Bakersfield, CA
  • Jeffrey (Tammy) Martin of Lenzburg, IL
• Grandchildren: Axel and Aurelia Buch
• Many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Live your life to the fullest, every day. Because you are not promised tomorrow.

Memorials: Memorials may be made to Eva Buch toward Nonni’s Play Fund an account for her grandchildren, Mid-America Transplant (https://www.midamericatransplant.org/our-foundation/donate-online) or The National Kidney Foundation.

Services: Celebration of Life will be held Friday, September 29th, at 6:00 p.m. at  Lieferbrau Brewery at 118 East Market Street in Red Bud, IL.