Elflora Aikman

MARION - Elflora Kaeser Aikman, 95, of Marion, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, in Herrin, Illinois. Elflora was surrounded by love and family as she was welcomed into Heaven by the Lord and His angels. She loved the Lord, her church and her extended family and many friends.

Elflora was born on July 21st, 1929 to John F. Kaeser and Elsa (Weber) Kaeser (formerly of Switzerland) in Marion, Illinois. Elflora was very proud of her Swiss heritage. She was a lifelong member of Zion United Church of Christ in Marion. She attended Marion schools, graduating from Marion Senior high School in 1947 with many honors. She married Samuel V. Aikman II, on December 24th, 1949. Elflora and Sam had four children, Vicki (Jeff) Hayes, Vance (Marla) Aikman, Valerie Henshaw (deceased), Samuel Vick (Janice) Aikman III, and a bonus daughter, Donna (Dennis) Dare of Swansea, Illinois. Grandchildren include Kira (James) Fietsam of Marion, Illinois, Erin (Dr. Ryan) Diederich of Edwardsville, Illinois, Christopher Henshaw of Marion, Illinois, Tyler (Kaylan) Aikman of Francisco, Indiana, Devin (Lori) Aikman of Cocoa, Florida, and Catie (Ryder) Brannon, of Oblong, Illinois. Great-grandchildren include Sophie and Sadie Fietsam of Marion, Henry and Vivian Diederich of Edwardsville, Illinois, Zoey and Ava Aikman of Francisco, Indiana, Waylon, Adeline and Caleb Aikman of Cocoa, Florida, and Amara and Wrynn Brannon, of Oblong, Illinois. Elflora was also survived by many other family members and close friends.

Elflora was predeceased by her husband, Sam, after 50 years of marriage, daughter and caregiver, Valerie, twin granddaughter and grandson, Alexis and Brett Aikman. Also preceding her in death were her parents John F. and Elsa Flora Kaeser, brother and sister-in-law Dr. John L.R. and Romelle Kaeser, and many other dear friends and loved ones, all whom she loved and missed dearly.

Sam's jobs took him to different towns and states and in each place Elflora made it their home, becoming active in the community in a variety of ways. The Aikman home always became "Grand Central Station" as friends were always welcomed with open arms. Be it the church, school, her jobs in later years, or whatever she became involved with, she accomplished all with precision, grace and pride. Elflora played the piano and the organ both for church, funeral homes and for pleasure, being fortunate enough to have both instruments in her home for many years. She became active in her children's schools, and later on was meticulous at any job she held. She was awarded many accolades over the years for her work in the community of which she was very proud. The highest honor of which she was most proud, was being recognized on the 106th Congressional floor by Congressman David Phelps on June 24, 1999. The job that she held most dear to her heart was helping to establish the Marion Senior Citizens Center. This is where she held the position of Executive Director for 18 years until her husband's ill health and needs became her focus. She retired in 1999.

A Memorial Service for Elflora will be at Zion United Church of Christ, 930 W. Cherry, Marion, IL.  Visitation will be from 10am to 12pm on Friday, June 20, 2025 with a service to follow. According to Elflora's wishes she will be cremated and her ashes will join Sam's and Valerie's at one of their favorite places at a later date.

Memorials may be made, with the family's gratitude and thanks, to Zion United Church of Christ, 930 W. Cherry, Marion, Il, 62959, St. Louis Children's Hospital Foundation, P.O. Box 955423, St. Louis, Mo 63195-5423 or to the donor's choice.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Elflora visit www.meredithfh.com.