Martha H. Kepler

Martha was born January 28, 1927 in Kansas City, Kansas to Thomas Lloyd and Enid Olive (Stanley) Harris.

She attended Pomeroy Grade School and Washington High School. Martha was a member of The First Baptist Church of Bethel and, later, The Church of the Brethren in KCK.

Martha married James (Jim) Phillip Kepler, Sr. on November 22, 1946 and they were married for 52 years.

She was a 20 year employee of The Simmons Company. In 1984, she and her husband, Jim retired and moved to the Lake of the Ozarks. They also later enjoyed the farm life in MO and winters in McAllen and Mission, TX.

Martha loved watching her children and grandchildren play ball in the Wyandotte County Sports Assoc. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and bowling. Martha was a member of several bowling leagues in KCK and The Ozarks. She kept active in her 80’s by walking with her poodle.

At 85, Martha took her first trip out of the country to Venice, Italy for her grandson’s wedding. It was in December and cold, but she never complained. Lots of walking was required and she loved the trip.

Martha was preceded in death by parents (Thomas and Enid Harris), husband (James Phillip Kepler, Sr. in 1998, brother (Thomas L. Harris, Jr.), sister (Mary Jane Gates), a great-grandson (Dominick Barajas) and son-in-law (Joseph Bardwell).

She is survived by her daughters, Judy Bardwell, Basehor, KS; Vicki Brawner (Wally)

Tonganoxie, KS and her son, James Kepler, Jr. (Sherry) Marshall, MO.

Martha is also survived by her 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren and her beloved poodle, Coco.

There will be a graveside service, Tuesday, August 25th, 11am at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in KCK.

Martha was an avid sports fan of The Chiefs, Royals, K-State football and KU Basketball. We know Martha would enjoy seeing those in attendance of the service wearing their favorite sports team attire.

The family would like to thank the employees of Twin Oaks Health & Rehab and Twin Oaks Independent Living in Lansing, KS for all their help, compassion and support of Martha.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations sent to Leavenworth County Humane Society or Crossroads Hospice.