Dr. Mary Kathryn Martin Huser

NEWMAN - Dr. Mary Kathryn Martin Huser, 84, of Newman, IL, formerly of Ocala, FL, died at 2:55 PM, Saturday, March 26, 2005 at the Boxwood Health Care Center, Newman, IL Funeral Services will be held at 10 AM, Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at the Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home, 705 South Main Street, Tuscola, IL, with the Rev. Keith Butler officiating. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Tuscola Township Cemetery, Tuscola, IL. Mrs. Huser was born on May 6, 1920 in Arcola, IL, the daughter of George David and Mae Louvinni Perry Martin. She married James Herbert Huser on March 31, 1945 in Jacksonville, IL. He preceded her in death on January 25, 2004. Survivors include: 1 Brother: George Martin, Jr. of Birmingham, AL, 1 Sister: Marjorie Martin Albin of Newman, IL, 2 Step-Sons: Arthur E. Huser of Indianapolis, IN, James R. Huser of Tuscola, IL, 3 Step-Grandchildren, 5 Step-Great-Grandchildren When Mrs. Huser was young, her family moved to Tuscola and then to Brocton, IL, where she graduated from Brocton High School as valedictorian and was a cheerleader. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, IL. On this completion, she taught elementary school in Brocton, Newman and Tuscola. She earned her Master's Degree from Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI. She earned her Doctorate Degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL. During her doctorate studies, she was awarded a Rockefeller Fellowship and had special tutelage as a result of this honor. Mrs. Huser taught at the University of Wisconsin, White Fish Bay and then at Illinois State University, Normal, IL, where she became a full professor. She was the first woman awarded the high office in the administration at ISU. She was one of the founders of the Head Start Program. Many articles of hers were published in educational periodicals and books. She served as president of Delta Kappa Gamma and was president of Junior Curriculum Development. Following her husband's death, she moved back to Illinois to be near her family. She was a member of the Ocala West United Methodist Church. She dedicated her life to education and helping other's and in return received many lasting friendships. Memorials are suggested to: Donor's Choice Obituary written by family members