Elinor “Doodle” Jean (Kaechele) Gartman, age 88, of Elberta, Alabama, passed away peacefully on November 19, 2025.
Elinor lived a life centered on faith, family, strength, and creativity. As the eldest of 10 children, she learned responsibility, resilience, and devotion at a young age, qualities that shaped her entire life. She loved art, cherished the Lord, and found her greatest joy in time spent with her family, especially camping trips and creative days in her workshop, where she made art side-by-side with her grandchildren. Many throughout her life knew her by her childhood nickname, “Doodle,” a name that stayed with her through the years.
On November 12, 1952, Elinor married the love of her life, Cecil Gartman. Together they raised 5 children, built a life rooted in faith, hard work, and devotion to their growing family. Their partnership remained a source of strength for her throughout her life.
Elinor’s life held both trials and blessings, and though the challenges were often heavy, she never gave up. She never wavered in her faith. Her quiet resilience and steadfast spirit defined her. She loved her family and friends with devotion and never forgot her church.
She is preceded in death by her parents John and Thelma Kaechele, beloved husband, Cecil Gartman, her children Debbie and Scotty, and her brothers Bud, Jimmy, Lex, Geezer, & Corky. She is survived by her siblings Chick Kaechele, Madelyn Tucker, Pi Riemer, & Chuck Kaechele. Her children Jamie (Sherry), Becky (Neal), and Todd (Cathy); her grandchildren Michael (KC), Shellie (Nathan), Kristin, Haley, Grace (Eric), and Meredith (Zack); and her great-grandchildren McCoy, Baylor, Matthew, and Palmer.
A visitation will be held Saturday, November 22, from 9:00–10:00 a.m. at Swift Presbyterian Church in Miflin, with a service to follow at 10:00 a.m. Refreshments will be offered by Swift Church after the graveside service.
Elinor’s legacy of love, faith, and remarkable strength lives on in every life she touched.
