Martha R. Steincamp

Martha grew up in Larned, Kansas, where she attended the public schools and was a member of the United Methodist Church. She graduated from Ft. Hays State University, Hays, Kansas, in 1968 with a degree in Political Science, finishing in just three years. At Fort Hays she was a member of the Delta Zeta sorority. Following college she was accepted into the Washburn University School of Law. Martha was one of only three women in her freshman year, and many classes began with the instructor’s greeting of “Lady and Gentlemen…” She was awarded her Juris Doctorate degree in 1971.

While in law school she worked as a law clerk for the Kansas Corporation Commission and upon admission to the Kansas bar began her legal career as a staff attorney with that agency. She then accepted a position as a Business Law instructor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. In 1974 Martha embarked on her long career as a federal lawyer with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, Kansas City, Missouri, as an attorney advisor in the enforcement division. Martha represented the EPA in many important cases including the St. Louis Clean Water sewer cleanup, the Missouri dioxin hazardous waste cleanup, and Superfund cleanups in several different states.

In 1988 Martha was appointed Regional Counsel for EPA Region 7, a post she held until her retirement in 2011. As Regional Counsel she supervised all legal EPA actions in Region 7, (Ks, Mo, Iowa, Neb), advised the director and senior management on legal issues, and participated in the development of EPA's national policies and priorities. Throughout her career at EPA Martha was admired and respected by all for her tenacity, perseverance, and good will, and she enjoyed the friendship and support of lawyers and non-lawyers within the agency.

Martha was a leader and example for women and all who knew her. In 1978, she was recognized by the Fort Hays State University Alumni Association with its Young Alumni Award. She was the first woman to receive the award from Fort Hays. She did not seek to bring attention to herself and enjoyed the company of her family and close friends. She was well-read, particularly enjoying history and biographies, liked writing, and was a great conversationalist. She kept abreast of current affairs and was very thoughtful with her opinions. She possessed a compassionate heart and cared for those less fortunate and always was one to call on when needing reassurance. She was devoted to the Head Start of Shawnee Mission program, now Growing Futures, serving on its advisory board.

Rainy Day Books and lunch at Andre’s Confiserie Suisse were among her favorite pastimes. Martha enjoyed having a good time, and it was fun and a joy to be in her company. She may have slightly spoiled her nephew, Hank Shetlar, to the consternation of his parents.

Never one to admit to a challenge she could not overcome, Martha nevertheless was lavish in her praise of the surgeons at Dickson-Dively and St. Luke's Hospital, where she was a frequent patient. Her positive attitude and commitment to helping others made her a quick choice for many high school and college essays on "Who is My Hero or Heroine?" She was small in stature but a giant in the human qualities that make one a decent human being. She is in our hearts and will be sorely missed by family and friends.

Martha is survived by her devoted sister Marilyn Shetlar and husband Jim, nephew Hank Shetlar, Leawood, KS; nephew Chris Steincamp, his wife Shelby and children Maura and Sam, Wichita, KS. Predeceasing her are her parents Gerd and Rozella Steincamp, brother Robert, and half-brothers Charles and Harold Steincamp and half-sister Lillian Papay.

A memorial service will be held at the Wesley Chapel at the Church of Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave, Leawood, Kansas, 66224, at 1:00 p.m. on March 1, 2016.

Memorial gifts may be made in her name to Growing Futures (Head Start); 8155 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park, Kansas 66204.